BEXLEY mayor Councillor John Shepheard has returned to his duties after collapsing earlier this month.

The 52-year-old was at an official engagement when he collapsed and was rushed to Darent Valley Hospital, Darenth Wood Road, Dartford, on December 6.

He has now returned to his programme of activities and is described as being "better".

Bexley council was unable to confirm the cause of the illness.

Cllr Shepheard spent Christmas Day having lunch with elderly people at the Sidcup Christmas Lunch at the Carlton Resource Centre in Carlton Road, Sidcup.

The lunch is arranged for people who would otherwise spend Christmas alone.