Marianne Faithfull has made a full recovery from breast cancer, her agent has announced.

The singer and actress postponed a world tour after she was diagnosed by doctors in September.

They caught the disease early and, after successful surgery last month, she is to resume touring next spring.

"It has been an extraordinary experience and, in many ways, extremely positive," she explained. "I didn't realise how many true friends I had.

"I feel so lucky and loved and thank everybody for all their good thoughts."

Her spokesman Rob Partridge added: "Marianne Faithfull has made such a successful recovery from breast cancer that doctors have given the go-ahead for her to resume touring commitments in spring next year.

"Because the disease was caught at its very earliest stages, however, no further treatment has been necessary and she is making a rapid return to full health."