Cllr Souster says he has been overwhelmed and touched by the letters, cards and messages of support he has received from people in the town.

He said: "It brought a tear to my eye. I had a card signed by students at Rye College, which was lovely."

Cllr Souster felt ill after mowing the lawn during last week's heat-wave.

He was rushed to the Conquest Hospital, on Monday, where he underwent emergency heart surgery.

He returned home to Rye on Thursday evening.

Cllr Souster said: "I would like to thank so many friends, colleagues and organisations for their kind thoughts and good wishes. My heartfelt thanks to you all.

"I am delighted to say that I am very much improved and on the way to recovery.

"On advice, I have decided to take a month out from Council, Civic Duties and my other commitments in order to follow a rehabilitation programme.

"During my absence my engagements will be carried out either by the Deputy Mayor, Cllr. John Breeds or the Mayoress, Rita Cox.

" I would like to put on record my thanks for the fast response and the care I received from the paramedics and the professional skill of the doctors and nurses."