Sir Cyril 'recovering' after fall

Cyril Smith served as Rochdale MP until 1992

Former Rochdale MP Sir Cyril Smith is recovering in hospital after he collapsed at his home.

Sir Cyril was discovered lying on the floor on Tuesday by his brother Norman after pressing an NHS CareLine button.

The 78-year-old is now being treated at Rochdale Infirmary, where his condition is described as comfortable.

Sir Cyril, who retired from Parliament in 1992 after 20 years, is expected to remain in hospital for a few more days while medical tests are carried out.

Current Rochdale Liberal Democrat MP Paul Rowen said he had visited Sir Cyril in hospital.

He is going to have to learn to look after himself a bit bettere Paul Rowen, Rochdale MP

"He is in great form and well on the way to recovery.

"His potassium levels were low and he was dehydrated which caused him to fall but he has not broken anything.

"It is a shock and I think that he is going to have to learn to look after himself a bit better.

"In recent years he has understood physically he can't do as much as he used to but mentally he is 110%, he hasn't changed a bit."

Sir Cyril was knighted in 1988 and was awarded the MBE in 1966 when he also served as Mayor of Rochdale.