A LORRY driver who suffered a permanent disability following an industrial accident is focusing on a new career as a photographer.

Bob Peel, of Fairfield, Stockton, detached two ligaments in his ankle and ripped his cartilage in a freak work accident.

But despite extensive reconstructive surgery the Hartburn Camera Club member, was left with osteoarthritis in his left leg forcing him to give up his job.

“All I’d ever done was manual work,” said Mr Peel, 38. “Now I didn’t have any strength in my left leg so I couldn’t do any driving or heavy lifting.”

Recovering at home, looked after by his partner Rachel, he started to become withdrawn and depressed.

“I couldn’t see any reason to get up in the mornings; I had nothing to focus on or work towards,” said Mr Peel.

Spurred on by his partner, a former student at Cleveland College of Art & Design, he decided to contact the specialist arts college to see if there were any courses suitable for him.

“I’d always had an interest in photography,” he said. “I got my first camera when I was three and used to take photographs of absolutely everything and anything.”

Mr Peel heard about the college’s Access to Higher Education course designed for mature students aged 19 plus and signed up.

“The access course has been ideal,” he said. “It has taught me to draw again, improve my composition and the way I look at things which in turn has made me a better photographer.

“I’m now ready to take the step up to the degree course at CCAD’s Hartlepool campus, as I feel much more confident in my own abilities.”

For more information on Access to Higher Education contact Cleveland College of Art & Design on (01642) 288888.