Collins home after brain surgery

Edwyn Collins was taken ill in February

Singer Edwyn Collins has been allowed to return home after spending six months in hospital after brain surgery.

The 45-year-old, who found fame with 1980s band Orange Juice, suffered two brain haemorrhages, before contracting the MRSA bug.

Writing on his website, Collins said he was feeling "fine" and had now has "many new goals to achieve".

He thanked his fans for all their cards and messages of support throughout his illness and time in hospital.

"I was out for the count the first weeks, but thank you for all the support," he dictated through his wife and manager Grace Maxwell.

The Scottish singer spent time at London's Royal Free Hospital for specialist treatment, recently taking his first steps.

Collins was a leading figure on the alternative Scottish scene in the late 1970s and 1980s, forming his first band, Nu-Sonics, aged 17.

They became Orange Juice, who were independent favourites and briefly broke into the mainstream with Rip It Up in 1983.

He went on to persue a solo career, making an impact with A Girl Like You, a top 10 hit in seven countries in 1995.

Collins, who is based in London, had recently turned to producing new bands including Sons and Daughters, The Cribs and Little Barrie.