Darlington Rotarian Alan Charlton has returned home after suffering a heart attack last week.

Mr Charlton, 66, was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital early on Tuesday last week after falling ill at his home.

He returned home on Saturday after receiving treatment at the hospital.

Mr Charlton has served as public relations and Press officer for the Rotary Club in Darlington for the past five years.

He is also president of the Friends of Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Days ago, he was presented with a Rotary International award at a ceremony held at the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington.

The award was presented to him in recognition of Mr Charlton's efforts in the community, which include key roles in the club's Young Musician of the Year competition and the Darlington 10k Road Race.

Mr Charlton was managing director of Farmway, the Darlington-based farmers' co-operative, until his retirement.

He said: "I felt unwell on Monday evening and suffered a heart attack shortly after.

"The paramedics did a marvellous job and I was in hospital within about 30 minutes after my wife called 999.

"They deserve a pat on the back for being so efficient, and everyone at the hospital was brilliant. I'm on the mend, but doctors have told me to take it easy for a while."