Furniture stripper Frank Bland, who suffered horrific burns when he fell into a vat of caustic soda, might be home for Christmas.

The 55-year-old is out of intensive care and is being treated on a general burns ward at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield.

Doctors say he is making satisfactory progress after suffering extensive injuries in the accident five weeks ago today.

They have told his wife Carol there is a chance he may be back at their home in Rycroft Avenue, Cottingley, for the festivities.

Mrs Bland, said: "He is a lot brighter. I feel as though he has turned the corner.

"He is still unsteady on his feet after five weeks in a hospital bed, and has a long way to go."

Mr Bland has undergone two skin grafts and faces more surgery, but this week a tracheotomy was removed so he can speak more easily.

His right leg is still worst affected by the burns and continues to be treated.

He has also been reunited with the man who saved his life, neighbour Peter Armstrong.

He dowsed his friend in water after hearing screams for help from the workshop in Idle. Mrs Bland said: "Frank cannot thank him enough. They were laughing and joking together at the bedside and trying not to mention what happened as it gives Frank the shivers. He has no memory of what happened but doctors say that is his body's way of coping with it.

"People have told him how lucky he is and he knows that... but he does not remember.

Mr Bland was drenched from head to foot in caustic soda which was being heated in a tank. At first there were fears for his eye-sight but that has recovered. He is also gradually learning to stand and walk again.

Mrs Bland said they were very grateful to the staff at Pinderfields.

She also thanked Telegraph & Argus readers for their support, cards and flowers.