Singer Bap Kennedy tells fans he has received bad news in cancer battle

In a moving post online, the former Energy Orchard frontman said it is now "very bad news" for him.

The popular Belfast singer-songwriter revealed he had cancer in May, and was so overwhelmed by messages of support that he started a blog to keep fans up to date on his progress.

In a heartfelt post on his blog, he said: "The operation has left a pretty big scar. Once they opened me up the surgeons found that they could do nothing to remove the cancer, and they discovered some more.

"Very bad news for me, and really the worst case scenario."

The singer underwent major surgery after a series of tests revealed he has cancer in his pancreas and bowel.

"I want to use my time to fix the things I can and put as much love as I can into the world before the boatman rows me across the big river," he said.

"I'm not afraid. We all have to face this one day. I want to continue my cosmic adventures. I want to see my beloved grandmother Brigid again. (Elvis will just have to wait)."

The 53-year-old from west Belfast revealed in May that the reason he had to cancel a number of gigs recently was due to ill health.

In a blog post he said he had been due to perform at a festival in Co Mayo on Saturday, May 7 - but instead of singing, he had to be taken by his wife Brenda to the Ulster Hospital suffering from severe stomach pains.

And he once again paid tribute to his fans who have supported him through his diagnosis.

"There's so much trouble in the world, yet all I've had directed at me lately has been love and kindness. I've never felt so loved and appreciated. I think my heart is going to burst. Old friends have come to see me in hospital and we all want to make music together again. People from everywhere have been telling me how much my music means to them. I didn't know. I didn't know how many people have been touched by my songs.

"It's breaking my heart to find out now when I have so little time to do anything about it - but I am also very happy to feel the achievement. It's what I always wanted. Not money. Not fame. I always wanted people to feel what I feel. The magic of music.

"From the bottom of my heart, thanks to everyone who has appreciated and supported my music over the years."

His wife Brenda had said Bap had received so many messages wishing him well that she is having to print them out for her husband to read in his own time.