Conservative AM has heart attack

Mr Williams, who first came to prominence as a leader of fuel protests in 2000, was diagnosed and taken to Glan Clwyd Hospital last Friday, after feeling ill for a few days.

He returned to his home on Tuesday, but will not go back to his duties in the Welsh assembly for the next few weeks.

Tory group leader Nick Bourne said thoughts were with him and his family.

"We are all delighted that he is on the road to recovery and send our best wishes to him, his wife Mary, and the rest of his family.

"We are looking forward to welcoming Brynle back to the assembly when he is well enough," said Mr Bourne.

"In the meantime Brynle's duties will be undertaken by other members of the group."

Mr Williams, of Cilcain near Mold, Flintshire, first came into the public eye as the farmer who led the fuel blockades at the Stanlow oil refinery in Cheshire in September 2000.

He was elected an AM in 2003, and speaks for his party on environment, planning and countryside issues.