THE Mayor of Blackburn has been taken back into hospital.

Last month Coun Mike Barrett was forced to miss a number of important dates in his calendar when a kidney infection put him in hospital.

Now he has been advised to go back, after just two weeks at home. He is awaiting the results of further tests.

Coun Barrett's wife, Mayoress Moira Barrett, said: "He went to the doctors because he was still a bit breathless, and the doctor said he would have to go back into hospital.

"He has been able to manage quite a lot of his mayoral duties, but he just keeps on getting breathless."

Last month Coun Barrett was forced to miss the enthronement of the new Bishop at Blackburn Cathedral, and the Mayor's ball, the biggest charity event in his calendar.

He was first taken to hospital in March. He was put on antibiotics through a drip, and had to miss the funeral of his friend, the former councillor Mary Leaver.

The deputy mayor stepped in to carry out Coun Barrett's official engagements.

Coun Barrett had a scan earlier this week, and he is waiting for the results while in hospital.

Mrs Barrett said: "I don't know how long he will be in hospital for. They are waiting for the results of the scan, so we will have to wait and see what that says."