BLAENAU Gwent MP Peter Law is still battling serious illness nearly a year after it was revealed he had a brain tumour.

Last May the popular politician stood as an independent in the Labour stronghold while being treated for cancer, and won a landslide victory.

Mr Law, who is also AM for the area, is currently under- going gruelling chemotherapy, which has affected his balance and left him using a wheelchair, but he is continuing to work.

His friend and agent at the last election, Dai Davies, confirmed last night that Mr Law was again undergoing treatment.

He said he was impressed by Mr Law's determination to fulfil his duties despite his illness.

"He is in constant touch with us in his office and doing a lot of work," he said.

"He has been in Parliament, up to Wrexham, and he will be in the Assembly this week."

He said Blaenau Gwent residents could be reassured that Mr Law was as committed as ever to representing them.

But he added Mr Law was suffering from the effects of the chemotherapy. "As people often say, the treatment can be as difficult as the disease," said Mr Davies.

"Physically it is taking a lot out of him at the moment. It is taking its toll and is very demanding."

Mr Law was originally diagnosed as suffering from the tumour in April last year, the day before announcing his intention to stand as an independent in the general election.

He left the Labour party after many years' service as a councillor and then AM, following their decision to have an all-women shortlist in the parliamentary constituency.

Just days after announcing his intention to stand the father of five was undergoing a six-hour operation to remove the tumour.

He pulled out of the political race, but as he made a recovery, announced that he would be standing after all against Labour candidate Maggie Jones.

The popular politician received more than 800 cards and letters of support and won a historic general election victory in one of Labour's safest seats in the UK, winning by 9,121.