The lead singer of Christian music group Casting Crowns has been diagnosed with cancer.

Mark Hall announced on his Facebook page that he was to have a kidney removed following the diagnosis a week ago and asked his followers for prayer.

He wrote: "I would appreciate your prayers. Doctors found a solid mass in my right kidney about a week ago. They are 90% sure it's cancer and they are going to remove the entire kidney next Wednesday, March 11th. They believe the cancer is contained in the kidney, which is also a great hope. They will know more once it is out and Pathology can see it.

"I'll be in recovery for a month or a little longer because of the surgery. Please pray for healing and for God's peace for my family."

In a reference to the band's hit song 'Praise you in this storm', he signed off "Praising Him in This Storm".

Casting Crowns is a seven-member group composed entirely of youth pastors. Its music has been widely praised not just for the vocal and instrumental prowess of its members but for its spiritual depth and insight.