Former Monkees star Peter Tork has announced that he is suffering from a rare form of cancer that is affecting his head and neck.

Tork is suffering from Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma and had surgery on Wednesday in New York after it was first discovered in his tongue.

Speaking on his official website, Tork said: "It's a bad news, good news situation. It's so rare a combination (on the tongue) that there isn't a lot of experience among the medical community about this particular combination.

“On the other hand, the type of cancer it is, never mind the location, is somewhat well known, and the prognosis, I'm told, is good."

He added: "I am extraordinarily grateful, amazed and humbled by the encouragement, affection and support I've received so far.

"Barring any complications, I fully expect to honor a performance date I have this June with Shoe Suede Blues. We're appearing in Manchester, Connecticut and I'm looking forward to that and all our tour dates."

Tork rose to fame after winning a place in the made for TV band The Monkees, who went on to top the charts with their songs and win Emmy's for their TV performances.

(by Daniel Melia)