A FAVOURITE North-East television newsreader is recovering at home following an operation to remove a blood clot from his leg.

Tyne Tees Television anchorman Mike Neville was allowed home from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Thursday.

He will not be returning to the screen until the autumn, as he traditionally takes August off for his annual holiday.

It is believed he has had to cancel a planned trip to Cyprus this year because of his ill health.

He was also unable to collect an honorary degree from Northumbria University last week because he was rushed to hospital.

Mr Neville was due to become a Doctor of Civil Law but the university has said he can collect the degree when he is feeling better.

Yesterday, his colleagues wished him a speedy recovery.

Fellow presenter Dawn Thewlis said: "I'm missing Mike terribly and cannot wait for him to come back."

Weatherman Bob Johnson, who has been visiting his friend to keep his spirits up, said: "I have just been to see the legend that is Mike Neville at lunchtime and he is looking better each visit.

"I hope he enjoys his regular August break and comes back in September refreshed and ready for a good on-screen blether."

Graeme Thompson, managing director and controller of programmes ITV Tyne Tees, said the channel had been inundated with support for the presenter.

He said: "We are delighted to say that Mike was released from hospital on Thursday night and is now recovering at home.

"The operation to remove a blood clot was a complete success and he's feeling much better.

"Mike and his family asked us to pass on their thanks for all the get well messages that have been flooding in since he was taken into hospital a week ago."

Mr Neville was honoured with a lifetime achievement award by Bafta earlier this year.

He has become one of the most recognisable faces in regional television, first as presenter of BBC Look North and more recently as frontman on the Tyne Tees news show North-East Tonight