A vicar who conquered the devastating effects of a stroke has been nominated for a national award.

The Reverend James Scantlebury, of the united benefice of Harden and Wilsden - two amalgamated Church of England parishes - has been put forward for the Stroke Association's Life After a Stroke Courage Award.

The 52-year-old suffered a stroke in August 1998 which affected his speech and right side of his body and left him visually impaired. Vicar of St Saviour's in Harden and St Matthew's in Wilsden, he spent six weeks in the neurology unit at St Luke's Hospital and had intensive therapy to re-learn how to walk and talk.

"It's been a struggle but thankfully I've made a good recovery," said Mr Scantlebury. "I have so much to be thankful for. My speech came back but it has affected my eyesight so much I can't drive any more."

Mr Scantlebury, who lives with his wife Sue and their two children, Francesca, eight, and five-year-old Benedict, said he couldn't have got through it without the help of his family and parishioners.

He was nominated by friend and assistant church warden Maurice Wood, 72, who now drives him to and from the churches and around the parish.

"His progress has been amazing," said Mr Wood. "I saw him in hospital shortly after his stroke and he vowed he'd be back to do the Christmas service - and he was. A lot of people would have said 'that's me finished' and given up but James has fought on and he's an example to us all."

Deputy church warden Richard Hayton, 52, said: "He has done it through his own efforts and determination."

Mr Scantlebury is one of 400 people nominated for the award, the winner of which will be announced next month. The prize, a bronze sculpted butterfly, will be presented at a ceremony in London on July 18.

Eoin Redahan, a spokesman for the Stroke Association, said: "These awards give the charity the opportunity to publicly recognise the courage of those who have had their lives turned upside down by the effects of a stroke."