SIR JOHN Hall revealed plans for his lasting legacy to the North-East last night and revealed doctors have his cancer under control.

The business tycoon, who is suffering from incurable cancer, plans to establish a £2m rose garden at Wynyard Hall that will rival the grounds at Alnwick Castle and become one of the region’s top tourist attractions.

The historic Grade II Listed stately home dating back to 1230 was passed for generations through the Londonderry family who entertained Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill, Elizabeth II and the Duke of Wellington.

Sir John purchased the stately home in 1986 as a home for himself and his wife, Mae.

The lifetime president of Newcastle United Football Club, who masterminded the building of the MetroCentre, is now planning to make his own mark on the 2,000 acre estate near Stockton by establishing one of the largest collections of roses in the world.

His five-year “masterplan” was put on hold after discovering this time last year that he had prostate cancer.

“I withdrew from everything until I knew if I was going to live or die,” said the 77-year-old.

However, tests have revealed that his disease is now under control and he excited to press on with his ambitious plans which could create 100 new jobs.