A FORMER top policeman from Otley who lost all the fingers of one hand in a climbing accident has been photographed by top photographer Terry O'Neill for a unique calender.

Dave Musgrove, 50, is just one of several disabled people - including a one legged PE teacher and a model with a false limb - photographed for the calender which has been produced to mark the 21st birthday of the Disabilities Trust.

The former detective superintendent, who was based at Weetwood Police Station, says he was honoured to be included in the calender and hopes its positive images will inspire disabled people.

He said: "The Disability Trust helps rehabilitate people and give them the support they need to achieve again or things they have never achieved before."

Mr Musgrove lost all the fingers on his left hand in a climbing accident in Snowdonia, in North Wales, two years ago.

As he attempted the difficult climb a piece of rock was dislodged and crushed the fingers on his left hand. His companion managed to lower him 20ft to safety and helped him to the nearest town.

But far from giving up the hobby, he was determined to get back to climbing as soon as possible. And he amazed family and friends by going back to the rock face only six weeks after the accident.

He said: "I was climbing again as soon as I had my stitches out. I saw my disability as an added challenge.

"People were surprised that I got back into it so quickly. I have been amazed myself at what I have been able to do, certainly at the standard and level I have got back to."

It was partly the thought of leaving behind the social aspect of climbing which made him determined to carry on.

He said: "I have been climbing for more than 30 years. In this time I have made a lot of friends. I would have been giving up a big part of my life."

Mr Musgrove has now carved himself out a new career as a writer and climbing journalist, and is the editor of Climbing Magazine.

Also appearing in the calendar are a foot and mouth artist, two paraplegic water skiers and tetraplegic yachtsman. All proceeds from the sales of the calendar will go to The Disabilities Trust, which provides care for adults with autism, brain injury and physical disability.

l To obtain a copy of the calendar, send a cheque, made out to The Disabilities Trust Millennium Calendar, for £11.99 (£9.99 for the calendar plus £2 postage and packing) to The Disabilities Trust millennium Calendar, Po box 437, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3FQ.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.