The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Stuart Martin, has issued a thank you to the public for the concern they have showed after his wife had an accident.

Mayoress April Martin is still being treated in the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, after falling down a flight of stairs in an accident at Ripon's Old Deanery restaurant.

It happened shortly after a function at the nearby cathedral on December 18.

Coun Martin said his wife was still on crutches but making satisfactory progress after suffering severe discomfort and back injuries.

He said Mrs Martin had expressed the wish that all the mayoral engagements were covered, particularly over the holiday period.

And with the help of the couple's 21-year-old daughter, Gemma, the mayor has ensured that no organisation has been disappointed.

"With Gemma as my escort I'm pleased to say we have carried out all the engagements," said Coun Martin, who is a member of Ripon City Council and Harrogate Borough Council.

"I want to say an official thank you to everyone who has sent cards and get well messages to my wife following the accident.

"We have regularly been stopped in the street every time we have gone out by people wishing her well and asking about her progress. We very much appreciate the public's concern."

Mrs Martin, a community nurse in Ripon, was allowed a day's home visit earlier this week but is having more tests to determine the extent of any injuries.

Staff at the restaurant have also been praised for their care and attention to the mayoress.