A SUPERSTAR friend of Canvey’s Wilko Johnson has said the guitarist is “doing really well” following his surgery - and he hopes to make music with him again.

The former Doctor Feelgood star, who now lives in Westcliff, underwent extensive and complicated surgery two weeks ago to deal with his pancreatic cancer, which also involved the removal of large sections of his digestive system.

Wilko played farewell concerts last year and believed he had just months to live following his cancer diagnosis.

But medics were amazed that despite his decision to refuse treatment, the 66-year-old's health did not deteriorate as quickly as feared.

Tests recently showed that the cancer was not as aggressive as thought and there are hopes that the groundbreaking operation could lead to a recovery.

The Who’s Roger Daltrey, who released an album with Wilko earlier this year, said: “He's lost an awful lot of his body but he's still here.

“He's doing really well, he's getting out of bed and grunting which is exhilarating for him I'm sure and we look forward to him making a full recovery which is going to take a long long time - but if he does we are going to make part two of the record.

"There is a chance (of a full recovery). It's an operation that's never been tried before. It's an experiment, his whole life has been an experiment."

A picture posted on the official Wilko Johnson Facebook page at the weekend showed him on his feet and smiling with his arm round a fan.

A statement from his management said last week: “Doctors caring for Wilko at Addenbrooke's Hospital have said they are extremely pleased with the way he has recovered post op despite the magnitude and complexity of his nine hour operation.

“Wilko has been complication free so far and has made what they describe as 'rapid progress'. Although still early days in his recovery, doctors are very encouraged by the extent of his progress.

“As always, Wilko, his family and friends thank everyone for their well wishes and support at this time.”