A FORMER policeman who opened his own driving school despite losing his arm in a motorcycle accident has been named runner-up in a national awards ceremony designed to honour unsung business heroes.

Barnoldswick man Gareth Almond had to leave the police force after the accident, but he decided to meet his disability head on and founded the Bulldog Spirit Driving School, using specially adapted cars.

The Barclays Trading Places Awards, supported by the Prince's Trust, Business Link and Jobcentre Plus, were launched earlier this year to honour men and women who have overcome personal adversity to positively change their lives by setting up their own business.

Mr Almond received his award, worth £7,000, at a glittering gala event, at London's Caf Royal, last week, cheered on by his wife, Karrie, and an audience of 200.

Speaking afterwards, he said: "This is one of the most marvellous moments of my life.

"I hope other people who find themselves in the same situation I faced will realise that disabled doesn't mean dysfunctional - and that you really can start again and build a new life."

The 52-year-old's ultimate goal is to make his company a national institution and become the most highly qualified disabled driver and instructor in Britain. Barclays, which spearheaded the awards as part of its local business community programme, helps around 80,000 fledgling entrepreneurs get their feet off the ground every year.

John Davis, Barclays marketing director for local business and chairman of the judging panel, said: "The quality of entries this year was exceptional, but the judges agreed that Bulldog Spirit shone out as a real-life example of an outstanding business that has thrived, despite what seemed like impossible odds.

"All of us congratulate Gareth Almond on being named runner-up in this year's Barclays Trading Places Awards and we hope his inspiring story will prove to others that self-employment can be rewarding if you've got the guts and determination to succeed."

With the "silver" prize package, Mr Almond will receive £3,000 in cash from Barclays, plus £3,000 worth of directory advertising from Thomson Local Directories and £1,000 in marketing consultancy from Foxmurphy.