A HYNDBURN councillor is fighting back to health after suffering a heart attack.

Brian Walmsley, who has represented the St Andrew's ward in Oswaldtwistle for nine years, fell ill on December 17 and spent time in Royal Blackburn Hospital.

He was allowed home for Christmas and has recently been able to start walking again.

The 68-year-old Tory, who is on the Hyndburn Planning Committee and Oswaldtwistle Area Council, said he hoped to be back at work in the next two months.

Coun Walmsley, who lives in Catlow Hall Street, Oswaldtwistle, said: "I'm going in for some tests this week and next week but doctors say I should be all right.

"I'm not sure what caused the heart attack. It was sudden, and I've been told to take it easy."

The retired building site foreman added: "I don't think there should be any problem for me returning to my duties as a councillor."