A meeting at Dudley Council last night had to be suspended after former leader David Sparks was found slumped in his seat.

Labour councillor Mr Sparks slumped in his chair, but was roused by colleagues.

Paramedics were called and councillors and members of the public were asked to leave while he was treated.

The meeting reconvened after 10 minutes and Councillor Sparks was taken to hospital.

Councillor Sparks, who is chairman of the Local Government Association, represents Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood and was leader of the local authority from May 2012 to December 2014.

He currently has Cabinet responsibility for Finance & Legal Services.

The Mayor of Dudley Councillor Steve Waltho said: "I'm fairly happy to report that Councillor Sparks has been looked after by the medics who responded very quickly.

"He had slightly high blood pressure and a little bit of arrhythmia."