There were emotional scenes last night at Ashfield District Council as Hucknall Central Councillor Jim Bladgen made his first speech since getting the all clear from leukaemia.

Councillors paid tribute to his tenacity as Councillor Bladgen, thanked NHS staff, Hucknall residents, and fellow councillors for their support.

In his speech, supporting the Council's 'six to fix' plans for Hucknall during the Council's annual budget debate, Councillor Blagden said: "I'd like to thank our wonderful NHS staff – they have been marvellous.

"Since my story appeared in the media – I have been inundated with good wishes by Hucknall residents. I'd like to thank them and whilst it's true my illness didn't stop me working, now that I have don't have to go for treatment three times a week – I can do even more.

"Life goes on and must go on. You only need to look at the problems in Ukraine to understand that. There are people worse off than me.

"What we can do is our bit to help in a bleak world. We can turbo charge our regeneration plans in Hucknall, we can open our extra pool in spring, we can support our retailers by extending two-hour free parking. We can continue as a Council to punch above our weight and be the helping hand, the friendly support that residents in Hucknall deserve."

Councillor David Hennigan, who worked with Councillor Blagden on the Council's Covid-19 response told the meeting: "What can I say about 'Gentleman' Jim Blagden – he should be an inspiration to anybody seeking public office.

"During the pandemic, I spoke to Jim daily – sometimes multiple times. He never once let his illness stop his work nor curb his ambition. Jim is an inspirational figure who puts the town who adopted him in 1972 at the heart of everything he does."