YORK football fans today reacted with relief to news that soccer legend John Charles has been allowed home from hospital after he was taken ill.

The former Leeds United and Wales star was taken to Scarborough Hospital after feeling unwell at the seaside town's Civil Service Club earlier this week.

He was discharged after tests and is now resting at his home in Birkenshaw, near Bradford. His wife, Glenda, said: "He's fine and looking as healthy as you and me."

Former Leeds United Supporters' Club chairman Peter Coates said he was relieved at the good news.

He said: "He's not just my idol, he's a very good friend and I hope he's going to be all right. As well as being the finest footballer I have seen in his position, he's one of the game's great gentlemen."

Mr Charles, 70, who has been fighting bladder cancer for years, was made a CBE at Buckingham Palace last year.

Members of the York branch of the Leeds United supporters' club met him at their annual dinner almost two weeks ago.

The Leeds United Player of the Millennium, who played at both centre-half and centre-forward for the club, was transferred to Juventus in 1957 for a British record fee of £65,000.

He played 38 times for Wales, including appearances in the 1958 World Cup.

Updated: 11:11 Wednesday, April 10, 2002