ONE of Worcestershire's best-known public faces has suffered a heart attack.

Cllr Derek Prodger, a veteran Worcester councillor who also chairs the fire authority, was suddenly taken ill during a conference in Bristol last week.

The 79-year-old, a former Mayor of Worcester, was unable to breath whilst attending an LGA (Local Government Association) conference and had to get emergency treatment from paramedics.

Councillor Prodger is now in Bristol Hospital where his condition is described as stable after undergoing various tests.

He was planning to stand down from Worcester City Council this May anyway, after 34 years service, but has no intention of leaving the fire authority.

Cllr Prodger also sits on Worcestershire County Council, which has paid its own tribute to him.

Cllr Simon Geraghty, the leader, said: "We were all naturally very concerned to hear about Cllr Prodger, who was taken ill at the recent LGA fire conference.

"I understand he is currently in good spirits and wish him a speedy recovery."

Members of the fire authority, which he has run for five years, have also passed on their best wishes.

Cllr Richard Udall, opposition Labour group leader on the fire authority, said: "I was there in Bristol when it happened and it was very concerning.

"Derek works tirelessly for his constituents and I wish him a speedy recovery."

Worcester's MP Robin Walker said: "It's very sad to hear about Derek Prodger and I wish him all the best.

"My thoughts are very much with his family, he's been an excellent, hard working councillor."

Last Tuesday fire authority bosses around the country convened on Bristol's Marriott Hotel for their yearly conference alongside fire officers, industry experts and councillors, which is where the incident occurred.

Cllr Prodger, a father-of-one who represents the Bedwardine ward at the city council, has served an unbroken spell at the Guildhall dating back to 1982.

He was Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for transport from 2006 to 2011 and intends to seek re-election there in 2017.

He used to run his own painting and decorating firm and has an MBE for his work on the War Pensions Committee, which makes sure war pensioners get help to buy any aids they might need.