A COUNCIL leader is recovering at home after suffering a heart attack.

Bob Fleming, leader of Sedgefield Borough Council, was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital on Monday last week after suffering a mild heart attack.

Coun Fleming, 69, from Newton Aycliffe, responded well to treatment and was allowed home on Friday.

He took over as leader of the council in May and is a former leader of Great Aycliffe Town Council.

Speaking from his home last night, he said: "I feel quite well in myself and will gradually return to work in the next few weeks. I'm taking things relatively easy for the time being."

Coun Fleming, who took over when former long-serving leader Brian Stephens lost his seat in the local government elections, thanked the many well-wishers who have contacted him since he was taken to hospital