CALLS to a cancer charity have risen three-fold after Sir John Hall revealed his battle with the disease.

The Prostate Cancer charity say the number of daily inquiries they receive has shot-up after the ex-Newcastle United owner revealed he is suffering from an aggressive form of the illness.

The Northern Echo reported on Thursday how Sir John, 77, revealed he has an incurable form of prostate cancer, but the spread of the disease can be slowed with treatment.

The multi-millionaire, whose family home is Wynyard Hall, near Sedgefield, County Durham, is set to embark on a three-month course of anti-cancer drugs and radiotherapy at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital, which he has described as the "fight of his life".

Suresh Rambaran, specialist support and information nurse at The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: "We have seen a threefold increase in calls to our helpline from men living in the North-East, who have been inspired by Sir John and keen to learn more about prostate cancer.

"Many men can be reluctant to visit their doctor and would prefer to hide from any health problems, but it is important to understand and be aware of some of the possible symptoms of prostate cancer - such as getting up more frequently in the night to go to the toilet or having difficulty in urinating - and to get these checked out by your GP."

To contact The Prostate Cancer Charity log onto www.prostate-cancer.org.uk or ring their helpline on 0800 074 8383.