Veteran councillor Tom Mason is said to be on the mend after suffering a minor stroke.

The Strood Rural Conservative is now recovering at home after undergoing an operation.

His wife Sheila said he is progressing slowly.

She said: “We don’t know how long it will be before he is back on his feet. He is getting lots of rest and has been given exercises to do.

“He isn’t up to visitors yet but we have been inundated with calls from councillors and friends asking how he is.

“I don’t want him to go back to the council too soon as he needs rest. But he has always been a fighter.

"There is no mention of him giving up being a councillor. I don’t know what he would do if he wasn’t on the council.”

Cllr Mason, 80, was discharged from hospital less than 24 hours after his operation.

Mrs Mason said: “We’ve got nothing but praise for the staff at Medway Maritime Hospital.”