CANCER sufferer Neville Carter wanted to make sure everyone had a good time at his wake so he organised it himself - and turned up for a drink.

The 53-year-old was diagnosed with terminal cancer four weeks ago.

He then set about organising a party for family and friends, saying he wanted to go out with a bang.

More than 300 people, including his mother and former wife, went to the Green Dragon, in Bedale, North Yorkshire, for the wake.

Mr Carter, who was a joiner until his illness forced him to give up work, used to live in Aiskew, near Bedale, but is now staying with his mother in Masham.

He said: "It was the first thing I thought of really, that I would like to see my own friends and family get together. They were a bit surprised really, not everybody would think to do something like this.

"I just thought, if you're going, that's it, you might as well go out with a bit of a party."

He said his diagnosis was a shock, because he only went to the Friarage Hospital, in nearby Northallerton, for an x-ray.

"They turned round and I could see from their faces that something was wrong so I asked them if it was cancer and they nodded," he said.

"I said that's that then.

"I am having radiotherapy and chemotherapy and different bits and bobs. I am sure they will do all they can for me."

Landlord Gordon Wanless, helped Mr Carter organise the wake. He said: "He was here all night sitting in the bar and enjoying himself. I think he still has about 20 pints waiting for him to drink.

"I have been around for a while and I have never heard of anything like this, but there was nothing morbid about it at all.

"People went from one group to another and were talking to Neville.

"It was just like a wedding and more like Christmas.

"I think the feeling was there but for the grace of God go I."