International trucker Martin Boddy believes he is Britain's only heavy goods vehicle driver who is paralysed from the waist down.

The self-employed driver, pictured, was determined the injuries he suffered when his lorry overturned in Holland five years ago would not keep him from the job he loves.

And after three years at home learning to cope with his disability, the 34-year-old decided to continue his international haulage business.

His wife Janet said: "The accident hasn't put him off driving. In 1998 he started looking into whether he could get an HGV adapted to take the wheelchair and let him drive again.

"I was worried to begin with, not about Martin being able to do the job, because I knew he could, but about other people thinking he couldn't do it.

"But everyone's been really good about it, both here and abroad."

Mr Boddy, who travels from his Mirfield home to Italy and other parts of Europe each week, reckons his situation is unique in Britain.

The Road Haulage Association and truck manufacturer Volvo, which provided him with his new tractor unit, have never come across another driver with the same condition.

Mr Boddy's lorry had a range of modifications added by Batley firm KC Mobility Services and Crossroads Truck and Bus in Birstall.

These included a winch, which lifts Mr Boddy in and out of the cab, a steering wheel brake lever, a hand-held throttle, automatic gear box and a hydraulic clutch system.

Volvo spokesman Richard Smith said: "With the truck industry there's no equivalent of Motability, because unfortunately a great deal of disabled people can't pass the medical test needed to actually drive lorries.

"When there is a situation such as Mr Boddy's however, we work closely with our dealers and local companies to find the best solution.

"He seems to be an extraordinary guy, to go back into the job and do it not only up and down the roads of this country but in continental Europe too.

"I think it's quite extraordinary, and I take my hat off to him."