Pavarotti has retired from performing in stage operas

The opera singer will accept an award at a music festival in the Italian city of Bergamo on 6 December.

The 71-year-old had started a farewell tour when he was found to have a pancreatic tumour in the summer.

Pavarotti will be honoured with the Donizetti Prize in recognition of his interpretations of the opera composer's works throughout the world.

Raffaella Valsecchi, a spokeswoman for the Donizetti Theatre, said: "His health has improved, aside from some problems walking. He uses a small cane."

The surgery is reported to have been successful and Pavarotti has expressed a desire to return to singing.

He made his debut in Italy in 1961 and built a reputation as one of the world's great opera singers.

Along with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras he achieved global fame as one of the Three Tenors.