A YORK grandfather who survived an horrific car accident is on the road to recovery - thanks to the dedication and skill of staff at the city's district hospital.

Les Grayson, 70, of Beaverdyke, Clifton, was in a coma for three weeks following an accident on the A19 near Skelton last January.

Today he returned to the hospital's intensive care unit to hand over £225 which was raised at a party to celebrate Les's recovery.

"The nurses were absolutely brilliant," said Les. "Without a doubt, it's through them that I'm still here."

It was touch and go for a while after Les was rushed in to hospital. His family were told the first 24 hours would prove vital.

His accident happened on January 17 when he was trying to turn his Peugeot car into a lay-by on the A19 north of Skelton.

His car was hit from behind and sent spinning across the carriageway into the path of a car travelling in the opposite direction.

It was feared that he may have brain damage and his injuries included broken ribs, a broken jaw, a punctured lung and shattered nerves in his right arm and right leg.

His family kept a constant vigil at his side throughout the three weeks, talking to him and playing him records in an effort make him wake up.

When he finally did come round, Les greeted his wife of 50 years, Ivy, with the words "where the hell have you been?"

It was almost another month before Les could go home. He is now on the road to recovery.

To celebrate, Les's daughters Christine and Janice and sons-in-law, Mick and Steve, organised a "Les's getting well" party at Huntington Sports and Social Club, at which the £225 was raised.

PICTURE: BACK HOME: Crash victim Les Grayson gets a hug from his daughter, Janice Long Main picture: Frank Dwyer