Last year, Alan Pickstock had his legs crushed in a horrific accident at the Wincham-based factory Knauf.

Doctors were unable to save his badly injured legs.

The 47-year-old of Brook Side, Weaverham, is trying to cope with his disability but was devastated to be told he was not eligible for a special car adapted for disabled people.

"I really do feel trapped in the house," said Alan.

"I've been so determined to walk again on my false legs and I've come on so far. I could've applied for the car months ago but I wanted to feel ready. I did the driving assessment course a month ago. I was told I took to it like a duck to water. I saw the car as a lifeline.

"And now I just feel so frustrated because it's summer time and I can't get out and do things.

"Apparently I'm not eligible for the car because I'm on mobility benefit for less than three years - do they seriously think my legs are going to grow back?"

Alan, who loves to visit the Lake District and used to play golf, fish and climb, relies on his two sisters to take him around.

"They both work so I can only go out when they're free and I feel so angry that I have to rely on them to get to hospital or to the shops. Taxis cost too much, about £50 a week at the moment and I have to pay my sisters for the petrol money they use. It's costing me a small fortune."

A spokesman from the Benefits Agency, which works closely with Motability, said he was unable to discuss Alan's case specifically.

But he said: "Anyone getting a car through the Motability scheme must normally have been awarded a disability living allowance for three years into the future.

"The award depends on the incapacity and how it effects the person and can range from six months to life.

"If people are unhappy they can ask for a review when all aspects of the case can be looked at again.

"And repeat applications for benefits are very common."

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