Sir Sean Connery has been tested for cancer in relation to a throat condition he has suffered for 20 years.

The James Bond legend had polyps in his throat checked out at a hospital in New York two weeks ago, according to the Mail on Sunday.

The growths first appeared in 1986 and came back after doctors removed them. He now has them tested each year in case they turn cancerous.

Connery's brother Neil also has the condition and their father died of throat cancer at 69. It emerged the actor was having the tests when he had to pull out of a Dressed to Kilt fashion show in the US.

"Sean was in New York for his MOT, which I do every year in Edinburgh," said Neil. "I’m pleased to say he passed. He had polyps on his throat, as I did, and it is on-going.

"It is something which needs to be followed through. You have to have yearly checks and that is why Sean was at the hospital – just to make sure everything was alright. He did go on to attend some luncheon later but had to cancel the earlier event because of this appointment."