Ken Richardson, 66, of Leeswood, was taken to Wrexham Maelor Hospital just before the election counts, held on Thursday, May 1.

He became ill while out canvassing for his campaign at the polling station in Leeswood, where he had been a county councillor for the past four years.

Cllr Richardson, who returned home from hospital on Friday, said: "I felt very confused and didn't know where I was at all on the day, so I must have looked very strange.

"I was rushed to Wrexham Maelor Hospital by ambulance because I had a massive bleed on my brain. They gave me one hour to live when I got there. I was transferred to Broadgreen Hospital in Liverpool.

"I had a four and half hour operation to drain fluid from my brain and to relieve the pressure.

"My daughter was told that I was likely to have a stroke during such a major operation, and that I would not be able to speak afterwards.

"But it was a success and I did not have a stroke, so I was very lucky."

Cllr Richardson, who was re-elected to Leeswood Community Council on Thursday with 423 votes, but lost his seat on Flintshire County Council, is now slowly recovering at home.

He added: "It will take me months to completely get back on my feet, but I will make a full recovery and I am very glad to be home.

"I have more than 30 stitches in my head and I feel very, very tired – I can hardly keep my eyes open most of the time.

"I would like to thank all of my constituents and everyone who has supported me.

"I have had so many cards and my answering machine was completely full when I got home.

"I would like to congratulate Raymond Hughes, who won the Leeswood seat and I wish him all the best."

Flint town councillor Alex Aldridge, who is a good friend of Cllr Richardson, has also wished him well on the road to recovery.

He said: "I view Ken as a true friend and I am so glad that he is recovering well.

"The most important thing is not the election result – the main thing is that he makes a full recovery and enjoys his life to the full."