A Denby Dale dairy farm has agreed to pay £39,000 damages to a former employee who says an accident at work ruined his life.

Ross Knowles, 50, was a heavy goods driver for Buckley Farm Dairy when he was seriously injured as he fell from his truck.

The father-of-two, who had been delivering pallets of milk, damaged his back and was knocked unconscious when unloading the vehicle.

Mr Knowles said he injured his spine, leaving him in constant pain and unable to work.

“I knocked myself out and woke up about 20 minutes later. I can’t believe my life has changed so much since,” he said.

“At 49, I was a fitness enthusiast. Now, a year later, I look in the mirror and think ‘what has happened to me’.

“It’s ruined my life. I’ve had to move into a one bedroom bungalow because I can’t get up the stairs.”

Buckley's Dairy, Dry Hill Lane, Denby Dale.

Mr Knowles launched an accident at work legal claim against Buckley Farm Dairy through personal injury specialists Hudgell Solicitors.

A lack of ladders at the back of the truck was highlighted as placing Mr Knowles at risk of injury when doing a physically demanding job at height, and resulted in the business admitting liability for the accident.

Mr Knowles, from Upton, West Yorkshire, says he is angry over what happened as he had previously raised concerns about the safety risks of the job.

In response to the allegations, the employer admitted liability, with insurers agreeing to the £39,000 settlement.

Mr Stephen Buckley, owner of Buckley Farm Dairy, said the settlement must have been dealt with by his insurance company.