GRANDAD Bruce Hopkins, who has an aggressive form of prostate cancer, has urged men not to put their heads in the sand over the disease and to get checked as early as possible.

Retired businessman Mr Hopkins, 70, who was the founder of Devizes Fine Kitchens and is a former chairman of Devizes Football Club, was diagnosed with the disease four years ago and has since raised £11,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.

He is preparing for another fundraising concert with king of swing Asa Murphy on July 29 and 30 despite undergoing gruelling chemotherapy he will appear on stage with his grand-daughter Athena, 11.

He said: "I would say to all men over 50 to get checked and don't wait like I did. I think men are much worse than women for going to the doctor and getting tested for things.

"By the time my prostate cancer was detected it was classed as advanced aggressive. I can't be cured but it can be treated. Until recently I was on hormone treatment and I was doing very well.

"But then this treatment stopped working for me and so now I have having chemotherapy and I am not finding it easy. I have to go for a scan soon and I am hoping it will be good news."

He said fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK helped to give him something else to think about but he is keen to sell the last few tickets for the two shows Asa will perform in the Ballroom of The Bear Hotel, Devizes.

There are just eight tickets left for the Saturday night but around 20 for the Sunday afternoon. He said: "I really want both to be a sell out so I can raise a decent amount."

He is also asking for donations for a raffle to help swell the charity cash raised.

Mr Hopkins, who has been a music lover all his life and a keen singer, originally raised money at the Patney Picnic which he held every year in the garden of his village home.

But he has now moved to Devizes and the July concerts are his main focus. He said: "Asa loves Devizes and he has a big following here. Some people are going to both the Saturday and Sunday concerts. My aim is always just for people to have a good time."

To book a ticket or offer a raffle prize ring 01380 738700.