Ken Richardson, of Leeswood, was rushed to hospital just as last Thursday's council elections were taking place.

Daughter Lesley said it was "fate" that she realised her dad was ill and called the hospital.

She said: "We are very lucky. I don't think dad would have been here now if we hadn't got him to hospital on Thursday.

"I suppose it's fate that I took the day off work to be with him."

Cllr Richardson, 66, has been a member of Leeswood Community Council for more than 30 years, and has also served on Flintshire Council.

The father-of-two and grandfather is said to be recovering slowly at Walton Hospital, Liverpool, after having a blood clot removed from his brain.

He became ill while canvassing for the elections outside Leeswood Community Centre on Thursday.

Daughter Lesley added: "He had to come home because he wasn't well, and I knew then there was something wrong because dad is council through and through, and he would never go home on election day.

"I work at Tesco in Broughton and it's the first time in nine years I've taken the day off to be with him.

"I could just tell something wasn't right and I'm so glad I was with him.

"Obviously it's a very serious condition but he is doing okay now and is talking to us, but it's a slow process."

Cllr Richardson was re-elected to Leeswood Community Council on Thursday with 423 votes, but lost his seat on Flintshire Council.

During the election count at Flint Pavilion on Thursday it was announced that Cllr Richardson was "seriously ill", and council chiefs said their thoughts were with him and his family.