SUPPORTERS of a controversial cancer specialist have expressed shock that he is being sued for £5.5m by the family of the late Beatle, George Harrison.

Dr Gil Lederman of New York, who has treated at least 30 patients from the North-East, was one of the last doctors to treat the dying musician two years ago.

The cancer specialist claims he can successfully treat most cancers with intense bursts of radiation, a form of treatment known as radiosurgery.

No one else in the world offers the treatment and his supporters in the North-East are keen to see Dr Lederman treat patients in the UK.

Now there are fears the legal action could halt plans for him to work in this country.

Two months ago Dr Lederer gave a public lecture about his work at the Tall Trees Hotel in Yarm, near Stockton.

George Harrison's family claim that Dr Lederman violated patient confidentiality by giving media interviews within hours of the musician's death from lung cancer.

Dr Lederman is also accused by the Harrison family of putting pressure on the dying ex-Beatle to autograph his son's guitar.

The cancer specialist's lawyers have dismissed the claims as "absurd" and stressed that Dr Lederman "categorically denies" that he coerced George Harrison to sign the guitar.

Among Dr Lederman's North-East supporters are cancer survivor Lenny Kirk, 47, from Stockton, who was successfully treated by Dr Lederman after being told by British doctors there was nothing more to be done for him.

Mr Kirk, who has joined other North-East supporters to campaign for a similar radiosurgery service to be established in the UK, said: "I am shocked and surprised at this. I just hope this does not stop him coming."

Debbie Gale, another supporter, from Ingleby Barwick, whose father was treated by Dr Lederman, said: "Dr Lederman is a very caring and professional man, highly regarded by the families he deals with."

Pub landlady Olwyn McPhillips, who raised cash to send a friend across the Atlantic for treatment at Dr Lederman's clinic also expressed shock at events. "It would be very upsetting if he wasn't able to come because of all this, we are trying to get this treatment offered over here," said Mrs McPhillips, of the Captain Cook pub in Middlesbrough.