I'll beat brain cancer to see a new America born, says Kennedy

In an unexpected appearance, the 76-year-old scion of the Kennedy dynasty drew wild applause as he gave what may well be his last speech.

The last surviving brother of John F Kennedy had been expected to miss the convention on health grounds, and was initially due to be honoured with an eightminute video.

But after the filmed tribute was screened, Mr Kennedy took to the stage last night and told an adoring crowd that he wouldn't have missed it for the world.

"My fellow Democrats, my fellow Americans, it is so wonderful to be here and nothing - nothing - is going to keep me away from this special gathering tonight," he said.

"I have come here tonight to stand with you to change America - - to restore its future and to rise to our best ideals, and to elect Barack Obama president of the United States."

In a seven-minute speech, Mr Kennedy promised that he will be in the Senate next January to help begin a new Democratic era despite his illness.

He has been at every Democratic convention in the past 48 years except two. But he was expected to miss this year's event in Denver, Colorado, after undergoing intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments since May.

Last night, he invoked the spirit of the late president Kennedy, likening the modern-day challenges facing the United States to the Sixties space race and a bygone era of optimism and hope.

"When John Kennedy thought of going to the moon he didn't say: 'It's too far to get there, we shouldn't even try.' Our people answered his call and rose to the challenge," he said.

"This November the torch will be passed again to a new generation of Americans," he declared. "The work begins anew, the hope rises again, and the dream lives on."

Before taking the stage he had been introduced by his niece, Caroline - JFK's daughter - who told supporters that her father and Mr Obama were cut from the same cloth.

"Leaders like them come along rarely," she said. "But once or twice in a lifetime, they come along just when we need them the most.

"I have never had someone inspire me the way people tell me my father inspired them, but I do now, Barack Obama."