AN OSWALDTWISTLE councillor has said a heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of people who helped him through a life-threatening operation.

Councillor Brian Walmsley, who represents St Andrew’s, Oswaldtwistle, on Hyndburn Council, is slowly recovering from a quadruple by-pass operation after he suffered a heart attack 11 months ago.

He said: “I have received so many cards and get-well wishes from family and friends that I just wanted to say thanks. It has made it much easier to focus on getting better, knowing I have so much support behind me.”

Mr Walmsley has been a councillor for 10 years in May and says he hopes to serve the people of Oswaldtwistle for many years to come.

He was struck down by a heart attack the week before Christmas in 2006 and rushed into the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

He subsequently attended a rehabilitation course and after numerous tests he was booked in for a quadruple by-pass  at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in October.

Before his operation, he had to reduce his workload but now he hopes to get back into full swing after Christmas.

Councillor Walmsley, who lives with his wife Joan in Catlow Hall Street, Oswaldtwistle, said: “Anyone who has to go into hospital for a by-pass should try not to worry.

“I have been absolutely fine and the service I have received has been perfect.

“The hospitals and the care have been absolutely marvellous.’’

He added: “I was told I would have to wait eight months for my operation and to be honest I cannot complain because they stuck to their word.”

Councillor Walmsley has a daughter Lisa and son Clint.