A LABOUR councillor has accused his Conservative rival of falling asleep during a council meeting.

Richard Udall tweeted a picture showing Adrian Hardman appearing to be asleep during the Worcestershire County Council meeting in County Hall, Worcester, today.

Adrian Hardman admitted that he 'probably did nod off' during the meeting.

Cllr Hardman, deputy leader of the council, said he had been busy sorting funeral arrangements for his father-in-law, who died on Monday.

The councillor said: "Possibly I shouldn't have come back to attend full council if all I'm going to get is mockery."

But Cllr Udall claims Mr Hardman is handsomely rewarded for his work and has a duty to stay awake in meetings.

He said: "If most employees were sleeping in work they would soon know about it.

"I'm pretty certain he was at least dozing. He's earning good money. He gets paid at least £16,000 if not more, plus another £10,000 on top to be a county councillor.

"There may be circumstances in his domestic situation which have provoked him to be tired.

"However we are a professional bunch of people doing a difficult job. I can understand and be sympathetic but the electorate of Worcestershire deserve better.

"He should be concentrating on the work."

Cllr Hardman is also the council cabinet member for adult social care.