TV astronomer Patrick Moore is reported to be undergoing surgery to have a pacemaker fitted.

Doctors have told the 77-year-old Sky At Night presenter he needs the operation to correct an irregular heartbeat, according to newspaper reports.

Mr Moore, of Selsey, near Chichester, said: "The consultants tell me I have got to get the pacemaker. It will probably just be a routine operation but I am going to have some further tests.

"I have always had a slightly dodgy heart, I have had since before I was 16. It is not very pleasant to be told that you need to have an operation."

Reports suggest Moore will have the operation at the private King Edward VII hospital, Midhurst.

According to the Sunday newspaper, Moore said: "Before the operation I need to have another check-up with the consultant. But I am going in as a private patient so I can do it when I want to.

"I have known about the pacemaker for some time so there will be no cricket for me this year."

Moore started presenting the monthly Sky At Night in 1957 and has since become one of Britain's best-loved TV personalities.

He was awarded the OBE in 1968 and the CBE in 1988 and has written more than 100 books on astronomy.

Mr Moore was unavailable for comment this morning.