AN eminent politician bestowed with Halton's top honour is recovering from lifesaving surgery in Turkey.

Cllr Ted Gleave, 78, had a stroke while on holiday with his wife, Elsie, and has undergone an emergency operation to remove a blood clot from his brain.

His son, Wesley, said on Tuesday: "He's improving every day. He should be out of intensive care soon and ready to travel. We hope he'll be home on Friday, once we secure a hospital bed."

Wesley and his sister, Joanne, flew to Turkey to give blood. His eldest daughter, Alison was in Canada when he took ill.

Riverside Cllr Gleave, of Cholmondeley Street, West Bank, Widnes, has served his local community for almost 40 years, and held almost every senior position.

A former leader and Mayor, he served on countless committees and received Halton's finest accolade, becoming a Freeman of the borough.

Council Leader, Cllr Tony McDermott, said: "Ted has given 40 years' continuous service for the people of West Bank. He really is an institution in the borough.

"It is very sad that he is suddenly stricken down like this, especially so far from home.

"All his colleages and everyone

on the council is wishing him well."

His niece, Denise Lord, of Runcorn, said: "We couldn't be prouder of him, he's a lovely, lovely man."