A BATTLING Bromsgrove man who lost half his leg in an accident has become the UK's first amputee firefighter on active duty.

Simon Hawkins, aged 31, had his lower left leg amputated after a motorbike accident 19 months ago. He thought his 12-year dream career in Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was over. It had been his ambition to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Sam Grant, a station officer.

But his determination inspired colleagues to raise £20,000 and he bought a custom-made leg.

Now after a series of gruelling assessments to prove he is equal to able-bodied colleagues Simon was back on the front line on February 12.

Simon said: "It has been incredible to come back to work. I have been through so much but want to give something back to everyone who helped me through this. It has been a very humbling experience."

After the accident Simon was in an intensive care unit for two weeks.

Simon said: "When I was told I was losing half a leg I cried for two days solid. I thought my life was over. All I can remember is waking up and going to sleep crying."

But after the operation his partner, Annie, found out about an American firefighter who lost part of his leg but was working again.

Hearing about his plight was the turning point in Simon's life and after learning to walk again he went back to work at Bromsgrove station doing community fire safety work.

Simon added: "If I could turn back the clock I wouldn't change what happened to me because I have learned so much and become a better person. It has made me realise what is important to me."

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Alec Mackie said: "We invested time and money in Simon's training and we didn't want to lose him. When he said he wanted to get back on duty we admired his courage and determination and supported him."

The story of Simon's battle was featured on BBC1's Inside Out programme on Monday night.