Saxton cum Scarthingwell with Lead Parish Council chairman Coun Paul Jordan only discovered he had the deadly illness after his wife Julia persuaded him to have a routine health check.

The 65-year-old underwent 37 gruelling radiotherapy sessions at St James' Hospital in Leeds but, because it was detected early enough, doctors believe he should make a full recovery once his two-year treatment programme is complete.

Keen motorcyclist Coun Jordan said: "It was a frightening time to say the least. I was shocked and started thinking 'how long have I got left to live?'.

"I'm one of the lucky ones – I sailed through my treatment. But I want to get the message across to people over 50 to get checked out.

"If you don't catch the disease early enough it might be too late. It can cause huge grief and trauma, not only for the person with cancer, but for families who should be enjoying their lives."

Coun Jordan spoke out after reading last week's Selby Times front page article showing Selby district men are more likely to die from the illness than nearly anywhere else in the country.

New figures revealed the area death rate was 40 per cent above the national average, with 34 lives lost per 100,000 residents.

Prostate is the most common form of cancer in men aged 50, with more than 35,000 sufferers diagnosed each year.

Coun Jordan believes NHS chiefs should provide routine screening, similar to services available for breast and cervical cancer.

He added: "It's scandalous these checks aren't available unless you request one at the doctor's. So many tragedies and the grief that follows could be prevented."

Coun Jordan now hopes to join fellow sufferer and Chapel Haddlesey Parish Council clerk Bryan Metcalf's local support group if it's successfully created.