UPDATED 5.30PM

POLITICIANS around Worcestershire say they are willing Councillor Tom Wells to recover - after being "shocked" by his bonfire horror.

Figures across Worcestershire County Council say they have been left devastated after he was badly burned in an incident at his home in Callow End.

As we reported yesterday, Councillor Wells has been airlifted to hospital and rushed into surgery after suffering "extensive burns" while lighting a bonfire at his house in Upton Road.

The Liberal Democrat is a key opposition figure at County Hall and also leads his party's group on Malvern Hills District Council.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin said today: "I was shocked to hear the news about Tom Wells’ accident.

"I hear he has been flown to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where I trust he will receive the excellent care for which they are renowned.  

"I have sent him a personal note wishing him a good and speedy recovery."

Conservative Councillor Lucy Hodgson, a member of the Tory cabinet, said: "I'm very sorry about what's happened and I just want to wish him and his family all of my best wishes.

"I hope he can recover soon so that he get can back to doing what he does best."

Labour group leader Councillor Peter McDonald said: "It's absolutely tragic - at County Hall we're all feeling very sad.

"I just feel so sorry for his family, we're all behind him and hope he can get through this - words can't really express how his family must be feeling.

"It's sickening to hear and I just hope he gets better."

Some other politicians said the authority would be a diminished place until he gets back on his feet.

Fellow Lib Dem Councillor Sue Askin said: "I was very shocked.

"Tom is a very hard working, caring, conscientious councillor - he's extremely effective and quite inspirational, really.

"We're all shocked about this and wish him a speedy recovery."

Green Party Councillor Matthew Jenkins added: "With him and Liz (Tucker, the Lib Dem group leader at County Hall), their wealth of experience is huge.

"You look at things like the scrutiny panel he chairs and the Ketch roundabout campaign, he's very good at presenting his case and getting responses from people in power.

"He's a very good councillor and in some respects I'm still learning from him - he will be sorely missed."

Councillor Ian Hopwood, the county council's chairman, said today: "I wish him all the best."

Councillor Wells was in a stable condition at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday and is undergoing skin grafts.

It is thought that he will be in hospital for around two months.

The bonfire incident occurred at around 5pm last Thursday, leading to emergency services rushing to his property.

Councillor Wells represents Powick, with the village's parish council also sending him get-well wishes.

Michelle Alexander, the parish clerk, said: "All the parish council are very concerned about him - we are all thinking of him and we are all wishing him well."