Ill-health stopped a former Worthing mayor from receiving the town's highest civic honour.

Former councillor David Chapman missed a ceremony to make him an alderman of the borough because he had followed doctor's orders and moved to Spain.

At a council meeting last night Coun Reg Green said Mr Chapman had become critically ill during a holiday in Turkey and was rushed back to Worthing Hospital. He was later advised to move to a warmer climate.

Coun Green said: "David made a comeback and was deputy leader of the council but he decided it was best he moved."

Conservative leader Coun Steven Waight accepted the award on Mr Chapman's behalf.

Former mayor Brian Lynn was also made an alderman at the meeting.

He said: "I was sorry David could not make it. He came on the council with me 20 years ago. We were the last two of the 1983 intake."

Mr Lynn said: "I'll get the certificate framed and put it along side the one for my mayoralty.

"A lot of people spoke and said nice things on both sides of the council, which I was grateful for."

Mr Lynn led the Tories during major changes to the council and Mr Chapman was Worthing's first executive for economic development.

Mr Chapman, whose two children and his brother Chris still live in Worthing, stood down in 2001.

He resigned as deputy group leader of the ruling Conservatives after becoming the victim of a malicious hate campaign.

Mr Chapman said the anonymous culprit launched "totally malicious personal attacks" and he was concerned for his family.

Abusive calls forced him to change his telephone number, go ex-directory and notify the police.

Mr Chapman caused a storm of controversy when he defected from the Liberal Democrats to the Tories in 1999 shortly before local elections.