Wilko Johnson is recovering well after radical cancer surgery.

The former Dr Feelgood guitarist had a pancreatic tumour ''successfully'' removed during a nine hour operation on Wednesday (30.04.14) and doctors are said to be ''happy'' with his condition after he was given 10 months to live, when he rejected chemotherapy.

In a statement from Wilko's manager, Lisa Climie, said: ''Wilko will stay under very close observation for the next few days.

''Although cautiously optimistic the team have to stress that it is very early days yet.

''The family thank everyone for their good wishes and ask for some privacy at this time so they can support Wilko with his recovery in peace.''

The news comes after the BBC reported the 66-year-old musician had defied the doctors' predictions after his ''football-sized'' tumour spread to his spleen and parts of his stomach, with sources claiming they were ''hopeful'' the surgery would have a ''positive'' result.

Meanwhile, Wilko has scrapped 14 gigs in May and July to allow him time to recover from the operation.

He recently stormed the UK album chart with the Roger Daltrey collaboration 'Going Back Home.'