RETIRED police inspector and former Marlborough town clerk Graham Chivers is fighting for his life in hospital after collapsing at the weekend.

Mr Chivers, 51, who lives in Devizes with his wife, Jan, and children Jonathan, 12, and Kirsten, 11, was taken ill on Sunday while he stood on the touchline watching his son play soccer.

He was taken to Bath's Royal United Hospital and later transferred to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol where it was discovered he had suffered a brain haemorrhage.

Mr Chivers remained in intensive care in a critical condition yesterday, with his wife at his bedside.

He recently suffered a deep vein thrombosis and had some time off work as a press officer for Wiltshire Police, but had appeared to make a good recovery.

Mr Chivers and his family have many Marlborough connections. Both their children go to St John's School and Mrs Chivers works at the Portman Building Society office in Marlborough.

His last posting as a police inspector was to Marlborough where former colleagues expressed their disbelief at his illness. One said this week: "It's hard to take in because Graham was always such a fit man. He is a great guy and we are all praying that he makes a full recovery."

Mr Chivers was the town clerk in Marlborough for about two years before he returned to work at the police HQ in Devizes just over a year ago as senior press officer. Former mayor of Marlborough Derek Smithers said: "Graham is one of the best and has always got on well with everyone in the town."