THE thoughts of the people of Droitwich will be going out to England cricketer Ashley Giles and his family as his wife Stine battles serious illness.

The England spin bowler lives in the town and is regarded as a hero for his part in winning the Ashes from Australia in 2005.

He returned home from the current Ashes tour at the weekend to be with Stine after it was revealed she had been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Droitwich councillor Richard Morris was the town's mayor during 2005 and organised for the player to become an honorary Droitwich citizen.

He said: "I've met him three or four times. He's a really nice guy and I've met Stine, who is a lovely lady. I'm very distressed to hear the news.

"I don't think anybody can understand what's going through people's mind at times like this but I'm sure all the town's thoughts are with him and his family. We pray that things work out well."

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff said he had not met his famous constituent but was sad to hear the news. He added: "It's a personal tragedy at the worst time of year and I know there will be huge sympathy for him from the community."