A RESPECTED county politician who suffered serious burns while lighting a bonfire has offered heartfelt thanks to his many well wishers.

Councillor Tom Wells was airlifted to hospital after suffering "extensive burns" at his home in Upton Road, Callow End, near Worcester.

He was rushed into surgery at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital following the incident on Thursday, April 7 and has received skin grafts.

The Liberal Democrat councillor represents Powick at Worcestershire County Council and leads his party's group at Malvern Hills District Council.

A statement posted yesterday (Sunday) on Cllr Wells' Facebook page said: "A huge thank you to everyone for your amazing support and kindness over the last 10 days or so.

"This has meant so much to me and has been a massive help as I begin the road to recovery.

"To my dear friends in Powick Community Choir I simply say that you mean so much to me. And I very nearly lost you.

"To my council colleagues; thank you for giving me all the opportunities I've enjoyed over the last 20 years.

"And to those who live in our local villages; at a time when most politicians are rightfully treated with disdain and distrust your friendship means so much to me."

It is thought that he will be in hospital for around two months.

His accident sparked a flood of tributes and wishes of a speedy recovery from members of Worcestershire's political community.

Among them was West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin who said: "I was shocked to hear the news about Tom Wells’ accident.

"I hear he has been flown to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where I trust he will receive the excellent care for which they are renowned.

"I have sent him a personal note wishing him a good and speedy recovery."

Cllr Wells' colleague Cllr Julian Roskams, leader of the Democratic group at the District Council, spoke of the "shock" the news has caused.

He said: "Everybody has been really upset and very concerned about it and obviously we very much hope that he makes a speedy recovery.

"He is a massive figure in Malvern Hills politics. He has been with us for a very long time and we want him back as soon as possible.

"Any differences that we have are all put aside because he is such a big figure in local politics. We are missing him.

"We can't do without him, really."

The bonfire incident occurred at around 5pm last Thursday, leading to emergency services rushing to his property.

West Midlands Ambulance Service sent a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance, while the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham was also sent to the scene.

West Mercia Police were also called to the incident.

A spokesperson said: "Police were called at approximately 5.10pm on Thursday (7th April) to an address on Upton Road in the Callow End area of Worcester, after a man in his fifties sustained extensive burns whilst lighting a bonfire.

"He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham by air ambulance. The fire is not being treated as suspicious and we wish the man a speedy recovery."