A mine-clearing expert who lost his leg following an explosion in Lebanon has returned to his North-East home.

But the 42-year-old is determined to get back to work as soon as possible and refuses to become a burden to people.

Speaking from his home last night, Dave Alderson told of his relief at being back in the country and his joy at seeing his friends and family.

Mr Alderson, known as "Aldo" to his friends, was on a rescue mission when part of his leg was blown off by an anti-personnel landmine as he went to the aid of a shepherd who had become stranded in an unmarked minefield.

The father-of-two, from Saltburn, east Cleveland, was taken to hospital, where doctors amputated his badly-damaged leg.

Fellow de-miner Damir Paradzik, a Bosnian, lost a foot in the explosion and a Lebanese medic was also injured.

The accident happened last month and the former solider has spent time recovering in hospital in Siden, southern Lebanon.

He was flown back to Britain last Tuesday and taken to The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, where he underwent further tests.

Last Friday, he was allowed to return home where he received a hero's welcome.

Mr Alderson said: "It is brilliant to be home. It was just good to be home with my family and friends.

"When I got home, all my family were around me.

"I went into my local pub and everyone was just over the moon to see me."

Despite the accident, Mr Alderson is adamant he will be back at work by February or March.

"It is the way I am," he said.

"Because I am so determined and I don't want to be a burden on anyone - I just want to get back on with my life.

"I have got to get through one more operation.

"I'll get that over and done with and get my new leg then get back to work."

Mr Alderson was working for ArmorGroup, which is clearing cluster bombs and anti-personnel mines in the area.

He said: "The company I work for are fully supportive to see me go back.

"I just want to get this operation out of the way, enjoy Christmas and New Year, and get on the road to recovery."