Nuns applaud return of Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa left a Calcutta hospital yesterday almost a month after suffering a heart attack. Assistants supported the 86-year-old Nobel laureate as she made her way to the car that drove her home to her Missionaries of Charity centre.

Nuns clapped at her return and held a special prayer meeting for their still-ailing leader. A doctor who visited later said Mother Teresa was "coping well". Her recovery from a heart attack on 22 November had been slowed by poorly functioning kidneys, a bout of pneumonia and an irregular heartbeat.

Arrangements were made to provide oxygen, a special chair and chest massage. Mother Teresa has been adamant about returning to work. AP - Calcutta