Oasis guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs has announced that he has been diagnosed with tonsil cancer and will be taking a break from playing with Liam Gallagher.

The 56-year-old, who was a founding member of the Manchester band, wrote on Twitter: "Just to let you all know I'm going to be taking a break from playing for a while.

Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs (second left) back in the Oasis days

"I’ve been diagnosed with tonsil cancer, but the good news is it’s treatable and I’ll be starting a course of treatment soon.

"I’ll keep you posted on how it’s going, I’m gutted I’m missing the gigs with Liam and the band.

"Have the best summer and enjoy the gigs if you’re going. I’ll see you soon xxx."

n response to the news, Liam Gallagher tweeted his support: "Sending BIG love to the 1 n only Bonehead and his family wishing you a speedy recovery we're all thinking of you rasta you’ll be back on stage bfore you can say r we doing Colombia LG x".

Tim Burgess of The Charlatans tweeted: "Sending much love to the one and only, the wonderful and lovely @BoneheadsPage x x"

Other musicians who have sent well wishes include former Beady Eye guitarist Andy Bell, former Oasis drummer Tony McCarroll and Rowetta of Happy Mondays.

Arthurs and Gallagher first started playing together in the band The Rain, which Gallagher suggested be renamed Oasis.

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They did not enjoy much success until Gallagher’s brother, former Inspiral Carpets roadie Noel joined and they became global stars.

Arthurs left Oasis in 1999 but has continued to work with Gallagher over the years, including in his band Beady Eye and on his solo projects.

Last summer, the pair performed together during Gallagher’s headlining sets at Reading and Leeds festivals.

Source: Press Association