PLAID Cymru South Wales East AM Steffan Lewis has announced he has cancer.

The father-of-one announced his diagnosis, which he said is “at an advanced stage”, in a statement issued this afternoon.

He said: “This week I had the devastating news that CT scan results show that I have stage four cancer.

“Although the precise nature of the cancer is as yet unknown, it is at an advanced stage.

“My family and I are still coming to terms with this news but I am determined to fight this illness and to come out the other side.

“My family, friends and colleagues are providing me with incredible support and are with me at every step of this journey.”

He added: “I cannot thank staff at the Royal Gwent Hospital enough for the care they are providing me.

“I will be undergoing further tests in the coming days and a treatment plan will be put together for me.

“I know I am in the best possible hands to defeat this illness and I am determined to do so.

“I ask now for the space my family and I need as I undergo treatment.”

Mr Lewis was elected to the Assembly as a regional candidate for Plaid Cymru last year.