POLICE and crime commissioner Bill Longmore has been diagnosed with lung cancer for a second time - insisting bravely "death is not inevitable".

Your Worcester News can today reveal how the region's first ever PCC is due to start chemotherapy this week after a routine doctor's check-up showed it had returned.

The blow comes after the 76-year-old managed to shrug off the illness last year and return back to full-time duties in his high profile £75,000-a-year role.

Mr Longmore has poured his heart out over his personal situation, saying he is determined to beat it again - and has taken the step of urging other people to look out for the signs of cancer.

We can also reveal how he intends to carry on in his duties as much as possible, using technology at home to keep on top of his workload.

He was first diagnosed with lung cancer early last year following a routine doctor's visit in November 2013, a year after being elected, leading to surgery and chemotherapy which resulted in a recovery.

Yesterday, he said: "My illness didn’t prevent me carrying out my duties last year and I am intending to carry on as usual again this time.

"Obviously chemotherapy is a strong treatment and you never know how your body will react so I will take each day as it comes - I am determined to continue with my work and intend it to be very much business as usual."

He also called cancer "a plague in our society" and insisted he was ready to take it on a second time.

"I have always been open about my condition as I feel cancer, a plague in our society, is something we must fight," he said.

"Early death is not inevitable - and I intend to live as normal a life as possible and once again overcome my immediate problem.

"My battle with cancer has been a public one and I hope this will encourage other people to ensure they are aware of any changes in their bodies and attend regular medical check-ups as if caught early the chances of making a full recovery are much better."

Deputy police and crime commissioner Barrie Sheldon, who also does the role full-time, is taking on extra duties while the treatment takes place.

Last year Mr Longmore managed to return to his full work schedule in March.

He was first elected in November 2012 as an independent in a shock outcome, with their terms of office expiring in May next year.

Mr Longmore added: “Since we came into office we have carried out many changes which have brought about better working relationships with all partners in West Mercia with the intention of creating safer and happier communities.

“During the (10) months left in my role, Barrie and myself want to complete our work so that when the next PCC is elected, they inherit an office which has brought about real changes as well as policies that will stand the test of time.”

For more information on identifying the signs of cancer visit www.macmillan.org.uk.