A HAMPSHIRE councillor is fighting for her life in hospital after being struck down by a mystery illness that has left her in a coma.

Pauline Watkins, who is a member of Totton and Eling Town Council, is on a life-support machine in Southampton General Hospital, where her condition is described as critical.

The 34-year-old Liberal Democrat was taken ill after returning from a holiday in Bridport, Dorset.

Fellow Totton councillor Bill Catt, whose son Tony, 37, is engaged to Cllr Watkins, said: "Pauline came back feeling slightly ill and just got worse and worse.

"Her immune system seems to have broken down.

"At one stage I'd virtually given up hope but she has shown a small improvement in the past few days. I'm a lot more hopeful than I was, although she's still in a coma on a life support machine."

He added: "I think Pauline can understand what's going on around her. Tony said something to her the other day and the monitor reacted."

Council chairman David Harrison said: "Pauline developed pneumonia-type symptoms after returning from holiday but they're not entirely sure what's wrong with her. We're just praying she makes a full recovery."

A hospital spokesman said Cllr Watkins was critically ill in intensive care.

She has been a member of the town council for four years and is bidding to retain her seat in next month's local elections.

She is one of eight candidates chasing the four seats that are up for grabs in Totton North.

Cllr Watkins also wants to become a member of New Forest District Council. She is contesting the Bramshaw, Copythorne North and Minstead seat being vacated by council chairman David Scott, who is standing down after 16 years on the authority.

Henry Forse, Cllr Watkins's Tory rival for the seat, said: "I'm very sorry such a young person has been struck down in this way.

"I send her my very best wishes for a speedy recovery."