A PENSIONER crippled in an accident at a New Forest nursing home has been awarded £75,000 damages.

Doris Collins, 95, was staying at Ramley House in Ramley Road, Pennington, three years ago when she fell over and fractured her hip.

Mrs Collins refused an operation to mend the broken bones, saying surgery at such an advanced age was too risky.

The pensioner has been confined to a wheelchair ever since and will need round-the-clock care for the rest of her life.

She decided to seek damages against the proprietors of Ramley House and has won her case at Southampton County Court.

A statement issued by her legal team, Lawcomm Solicitors, of Bellevue Road, Southampton, said Mrs Collins was walking unsupervised when the accident happened.

The statement added: "She fractured her left hip as a result of the fall.

"Because of her condition at the time she did not undergo surgery and her injury has resulted in her being unable to move unaided."

Mrs Collins was awarded £75,000 damages plus legal costs by Recorder Blunt QC.

Steven Simpkins, Lawcomm's head of personal injury, said: "This was a difficult claim, which was denied all the way by the defendants.

"I hope the damages awarded will go some way to alleviating the pain and suffering experienced by the claimant."

Mrs Collins said: "I haven't been able to stand or move since the accident - and I'm resigned to the fact that I will always be confined to a wheelchair.

"With the aid of a tape recorder I hope to resume composing poetry."

Mrs Collins is totally dependent on her son Clive, who has to provide for his mother's needs and be available 24 hours a day.

He said: "My mother is pleased with the award of damages. They will help meet the cost of long-term care she needs as a result of the injuries she sustained."

The accident happened in the early hours of December 15 1999 when the pensioner got up to use a toilet.

Mrs Collins, of Pennington, had gone to stay at Ramley House for a temporary period after suffering a bout of anaemia.

The home, which has since closed, was run by Malcolm and Diana Thomas, of Bath Road, Lymington. The couple, who denied liability, declined to comment.