NORTH-EAST supporters of under-fire cancer doctor Dr Gil Lederman said they were confident his work would continue.

A question mark has been placed over his future after it was announced yesterday that he is to leave his post at a New York hospital at the end of this year.

Dr Lederman, who is fighting a lawsuit brought by the family of the late former- Beatle George Harrison, has treated about 30 North-East cancer patients at a hospital on Staten Island, New York.

The specialist has developed a way of treating cancer by using intense bursts of radiotherapy.

Two months ago, his supporters invited him to give a lecture about his work at the Tall Trees Hotel, in Yarm, near Stockton, as part of a campaign to provide similar services in Britain.

Harrison's family said Dr Lederman forced the musician to autograph a guitar while on his deathbed and gave unauthorised interviews about Harrison after his death from lung cancer.

Dr Lederman's lawyer, Wayne Roth, said the claims were absurd.

Hospital authorities denied Dr Lederman was being replaced because of the controversy, and said the move had been planned for months.

Mr Roth also said his replacement had nothing to do with Harrison.

Lenny Kirk, 47, from Stockton, who was successfully treated by Dr Lederman after being told his cancer was inoperable, said: "It is very disappointing, but I am sure the work he started will carry on.