LORD Bathurst has returned home to Cirencester after almost four months in hospital.

After being admitted Cheltenham General Hospital on July 26, the popular local figurehead was described as being 'seriously ill' and in intensive care.

However, Lady Bathurst took to Twitter this afternoon to express her delight that her husband had returned home.

"The happiest day in a long time," she wrote. "My darling husband came home after four months in hospital."

She went on to say Lord Bathurst still has one more 'big' operation to come in January, but, nonetheless, 'Xmas came early'.