THE Government has finally assumed responsibility for a burns unit that was set up by a Knutsford man who survived an horrific car crash.

The NHS has agreed to fund Manchester Burns Outreach Project because it has been so successful in rehabilitating patients once they leave hospital.

Nurses

"We have put a quarter of a million pounds worth of donations into the project but now the NHS will run it which is massively encouraging," said Matthew Warnes, who set up the centre two years ago with money donated by residents.

Since 2001 staff at the centre have made more than 1,000 visits to the homes of burns victims.

Two nurses provide physiotherapy, offer psychological support and help patients to readjust to their new life.

"The outreach project has done so well and the results are so good that the NHS has started up three more of these services in the UK," said Matthew, 29, who lost both legs and suffered horrific burns five years ago.

"This means that we can focus all the money and time towards raising enough to open Britain's first rehabilitation centre."

His goal now is to raise £1 million in a year to launch the centre.

Knutsford residents have so far donated £30,000 by handing over more than 12,000 old mobile phones for recycling.

For every phone sent to a recycling company in London the firm donates cash to the appeal.

This week Matthew, of Hallside Park, Knutsford, was hoping post offices in the Trafford area would soon launch schemes so that residents could hand in unwanted mobiles over the counter.

"They get so many customers in a week that it could really boost the appeal if it goes ahead," he said. "If it is successful I would love to launch it nationwide."