Grantham's mayor Dean Ward has reluctantly decided to take a break from his duties on health grounds.

The Grantham Charter Trustees issued a statement this afternoon, which also highlighted the popular mayor suffered a stroke earlier this year.

Mayor Ward, who is also a member of South Kesteven District Council, having served Grantham Arnoldfield since 2015, aims to be back towards the end of November.

He took his chains of office last September and is due to serve until May 2022, as Nub News reported at the time.

The trustees statement said: "The Grantham Charter Trustees wish Mayor Dean Ward a full and speedy recovery."

Charter trustee Ray Wootten said the health of Mayor Ward has to be a priority.

Coun Wootten told Nub News: "I have every confidence in the Deputy Mayor. Councillor Graham Jeal is covering the mayoral role in the meantime."

Nub News also wishes Mayor Ward a full and speedy recovery.