An injury in 2001 caused Shaun Parker, a 37 year old Bovey Tracey retained firefighter, to retire after 10 years service.

Due to an injury outside work Shaun Parker's right leg had to be amputated below the knee and had to be replaced with an artificial one.

The new leg was tested and can withstand heat up to 300C (572F) and can hold weight of up to 365kg (804lb). The leg is also fitted with a locking device for safety measures.

Shaun reapplied to become a firefighter again when teh Disibility Discrimination Act 1995 was updated to cover firefighters in October 2004.

Shaun told us, "I was determined to get back on the appliance when something like this happens, you can't stay at home and think about it, you have to get on with your life."

Before he could be accepted back into the "firefighting circle" he had to first pass a basic training course which involved climbing up and down ladders. We were told by the course leaders that it was difficult for them to pick him out from the others on the course.

"His remarkable recovery from a horrific accident is testament to his dedication and hard work", said Devon's Chief Fire Officer,  Paul Young.