Ex-mayors' jet ski crash

But instead of enjoying the stunning coastline of Puerto Vallarta from the air, following their jetski experience, Tony and Wendy found themselves in the local hospital.

The couple had been out on the water with their son Ashley, grandson Ryan and son-in-law Adie Carter, a Littlehampton firefighter.

Tony, who arrived back with his family on Tuesday, explained: "It was just an accident, really. I took a corner a bit sharply and Ashley's jet ski came up the side of us. Wendy broke her ankle and I broke five ribs, dislocated my shoulder and had a big piece of plastic embedded in my elbow. I also passed out in the water."

The family flew out for the two-week holiday on July 28 and had enjoyed an uneventful first week until the first Saturday, when the accident happened.

Wendy was treated for her broken ankle and was out of hospital quite soon after, but doctors had warned Tony he could expect to stay in for eight days.

But Tony's resilience and chirpy disposition meant that three days later, he was back by the poolside enjoying the sun.

"I was very lucky to be out after three days. I was told that the cracked ribs could have punctured a lung but, fortunately, they didn't. I had been given stitches in my arm and they were taken out a few days ago.

"We are just glad to be back in the land of the living," he laughed.

Members of the Littlehampton Harbour Board, of which Tony is a member, wished the couple a speedy recovery at its meeting on Monday.