A councillor has thanked the public for their get well wishes after he collapsed at a public meeting.

Jack Paton, an independent city councillor for Botcherby, needed emergency treatment after taking ill at a budget meeting.

He was taken by ambulance from the Civic Centre to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle on Tuesday night, after suffering a diabetic attack.

He was released from hospital in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Mr Paton, who was back in the Civic Centre yesterday, told the News & Star : "I’d like to thank everyone for their get well wishes. I had a diabetic attack.

"I’ve had diabetes for about three years.

"I’ve got to rest up and take it easy now.

"It's nice that everyone was concerned about me."

Mr Paton, who was elected in January, collapsed while Carlisle City Council members were debating the authority's budget for the coming financial year.

Other councillors, council staff and members of the public were asked to leave the council chamber while Mr Paton received treatment.

Concerned readers sent get well wishes to Mr Paton on the News & Star ’s Facebook page.

Ali Sam Coupland wrote: "Get well soon Jack."

And Thomas White Hope said: "Hope he makes a full recovery."

After the incident a decision was made to suspend all debate about the budget and proceed immediately to a vote.

The budget, produced by the Labour-led authority was waved through with 28 votes. There were 20 abstentions and one vote against.