CARPENTER Adrian Lessey lost both his legs when he was hit by a car.

But just seven months later Mr Lessey, 46, is making a strong recovery and has thanked the helicopter crew that saved his life.

The Bridport carpenter was unloading tools from his parked van when he was struck from behind by a car on the A35 west of Bridport.

Ninety-year-old driver Jean Hebron died at the scene and Mr Lessey's life was hanging in the balance.

But thanks to the quick actions of Dorset Police air operations team, Mr Lessey, of Elizabeth Avenue, was rushed to hospital and survived.

Now learning to walk with prosthetic limbs, the survivor asked to visit the three-strong crew that saved his life.

He said: "I wanted to come and meet the officers that attended to me and got me to hospital so quickly.

"Their actions may well have saved my life and I wanted to say thank you in person."

At Dorset Police headquarters Mr Lessey thanked pilot Tom Martin and air operations officers Nigel Davies and Eric Lundon, who - despite difficult weather conditions - got him to Dorset County Hospital.

The crew gave Mr Lessey a tour of the police helicopter and showed him their hi-tech video and imaging facility.

An inquest into Mrs Hebron's death revealed both vehicles were well lit at the time of the crash and there was nothing to obstruct her view of Mr Lessey.

But West Dorset Coroner Michael Johnston said Mrs Hebron suffered from a chest and bladder infection and could have displayed symptoms described as minor strokes.

He warned drivers of the dangers of getting behind the wheel while unwell.