A senior Kings Langley councillor said it is "admirable" that the council chairman wants to carry on despite receiving treatment for cancer. 

Councillor Ron Smith, who has served on the parish council since 2011, is set to undergo chemotherapy next month as part of his treatment for a brain tumour.

But Mr Smith reiterated his desire to keep going as chairman at a Kings Langley Parish Council meeting.

Vice chairman Gerry Angiolini said he was shocked when he found out about the news.

He said: "I was absolutely gobsmacked. A month ago he seemed alright, and then all of a sudden this happened. You never know what’s round the corner.

"I think it is admirable that he is going to carry on.

"It is a terrible thing to happen."

At the council meeting last Tuesday, Mr Smith confirmed that he wanted to continue in the role which he has held since May. 

The 54 year-old said: "The reason for putting this on the agenda tonight is that I want to remain as chairman for as long as I possibly can.

"I am going to do my best to continue doing the best I can for as long as possible.

After the meeting, Mr Smith told the Watford Observer that it would be the "easy option to give up". 

Despite saying that the council are behind Mr Smith carrying on as chairman, Mr Angiolini told the Watford Observer that there were people who could take the over the job.

He said: "I think everyone is going to be very supportive of him and are quite happy for him to carry on, but if it becomes apparent he cannot, I could have to take the chair. We are going to have to play it by ear.

"We have got a good clerk and Bob McLean is a very capable councillor because he was chairman last year. I have been chairman three times. There are people who can do the job if needs be. 

"I have no problem with him carrying on because if that helps him and gives him purpose, it can only be a good thing."

Beverley Ross, administrative assistant at the parish ouncil said: "It was devastating, he is only 54."

She said the chairman had been heavily involved in the organisation of the candlelight vigil which was held in Kings Langley last Monday to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

She said: "It was all very sudden. One minute we were having a meeting round his house with Rev Matthew Cooper and the next thing we knew, he was in hospital. It all happens very quickly. 

"We were just left hoping that Ron would make it on the night. He had the operation on the Wednesday before, but pure will power got him there along with the help of his sons."