BURY St Edmunds MP David Ruffley is “making good progress” and is expected to be back at work in October, the EADT can reveal today.

Mr Ruffley has been off work since he had an accident in June when he fell under a train which was travelling at low speed in a London railway station.

Since then, his parliamentary work has been shared between neighbouring MPs Dr Daniel Poulter and Matthew Hancock while councillors have helped with other constituents’ issues.

But Dr Poulter told the EADT that Mr Ruffley’s condition had improved and that he was now looking forward to returning to the House of Commons.

It is understood Mr Ruffley’s return to duty could be “gradual” rather than immediate and total.

Dr Poulter said: “I was with David the other day and he was on good form. He’s making good progress and is very keen to return to working for his constituents.

“He’ll certainly be back well before Christmas and is hoping to be back in the thick of things in October.

“Everyone in the constituency wants to see him around again - we’ve been doing our best, but it is not the same as having your own MP. The people of Bury miss David - both his work and seeing him around the place.”

Jane Storey, deputy leader of Suffolk County Council who represents the Threadwastre North division, spoke to Mr Ruffley last week.

She said: “He sounds absolutely chipper and he seems raring to go. I was really pleased for him. He’s still getting lots of messages of support. He’s obviously held in really high regard and everybody is looking forward to him being back.

“It might be a gradual return to duties.”

Mr Ruffley’s absence from work has been a blow to the constituency and politicians from across the spectrum are hoping he makes a full and rapid recovery.

Mark Ereira has fought him for the seat three times - for Labour in 1997 and 2001 and for the Greens in May - and has a deep respect for his political opponent.

He said: “I really hope he is around again in October. This constituency needs to have an MP fighting for it in the Parliament. And I want to see David around again - we all miss him.”

Nobody from the Conservative Party head office was available for comment yesterday.