A COUNCIL leader who returned to work after suffering a stroke has issued a stress warning to workaholics.

Coun Ian Ormerod, of Hyndburn Borough Council, returned to his council duties this week after his doctor gave him the all-clear.

But the 60-year-old said he only got to that position because of all the cards he received and the well-wishers who stopped him in the street.

He said his case should be a lesson for everyone to look after their health, manage their stress levels and get regular blood pressure checks.

Coun Ormerod, who was admitted to Blackburn Royal Infirmary, said: "I'm still taking things easy like the doctor said. Stress plays a part I ask to people to look after themselves and get your blood pressure checked regularly at your doctors.

"I've got a number of cards from friends, councillors and relations, but also from people who I've never met. The kindness from the public has been extremely warming.

"I was totally unaware that something was wrong until I started feeling ill and a bit woozy.

"It was a bewildering experience and worrying because you don't know what is going on, you're not in charge of your destiny and you feel vulnerable."