Southend Council leader Howard Briggs was back at work today after collapsing at his desk.

Retired dentist Mr Briggs was taken to Southend Hospital from the Civic Centre, in Victoria Avenue, Southend, with what was originally believed to be a suspected heart attack.

However, investigations later showed it was only an increased heartbeat which is less serious than first thought.

He said: "I was in the cardiac care section for two days while they decided what was wrong and finally the consultant came to the conclusion it was a one-off.

Mr Briggs took it easy over the weekend, travelling with his wife Colleen to France for a pre-arranged Easter break.

Tory Mr Briggs, who is in his 60s, was the mayor of Southend between 2001 and 2002 and became deputy leader immediately after stepping down from the mayoralty.

Published Tuesday, April 22, 2003

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