CASTLE Point Mayor Beverley Egan returned to her duties this week following major surgery for suspected cancer.

The St Peter's ward councillor attended the Phoenix Club's annual Halloween party, despite undergoing an operation at Southend Hospital last month.

Mrs Egan said: "I was overwhelmed by how much correspondence wishing me a speedy recovery I have had.

"To attend the Phoenix Club as my first duty after my operation was so heartwarming. "