CANCER patient Bob Norburn has been given the all-clear by doctors.

The Westhoughton businessman, forced to pay more than £8,000 for pioneering cryotherapy in 2004, has been given a clean bill of health by experts in Sunderland.

Mr Norburn, who eventually got his money back from Bolton's NHS bosses, said he had previously been told his illness was terminal.

Mr Norburn, aged 58, said: "The turn around in my prognosis is, if not miraculous, at least amazing.

"It's amazing to the point that right now they can't find any cancer in me at all.

"Maybe cancer is something that you never get rid of; maybe it stalks you for the rest of your life.

"But, right now, each day is a brighter day, and my life isn't now under immediate threat."

In a desperate bid to save his life, Mr Norburn made the decision to pay for private treatment, paying out £1,600 for just one scan.

He thanked friends, family and everyone else who has offered their support during the past few months.