A young father who was left blinded in one eye and needing surgery to reconstruct his face has thanked a charity for saving his life.

Duane Scholes, of Eton Avenue, Accrington, was working on a hydraulic pipe when it sheered off and struck him in the head at his workplace at Lodematic in Clitheroe on January 23 this year.

The 26-year-old was rushed to Royal Preston Hospital and underwent a six-hour operation to reconstruct the right side of his face.

The father-of-one, who is set to get married in June, said the speedy response of the North West Air Ambulance (NWAS) kept him alive.

The incident came only 20 months after his father Chris Scholes was also saved by NWAS following a motorbike accident in Settle.

The brakes technician supervisor was airlifted to hospital with a broken back, shoulder blade, four ribs and a punctured lung.

Former Moorhead High School pupil Duane said: “I was in hospital for eight days and had to have a sixhour operation to put my face back together. “It was in quite a mess as the pipe shattered all the right side and I’m blinded in my right eye.

“I feel very lucky. All the doctors have said I’m very fortunate to be here. “It was a big shock and very scary when it happened but you have to get up and get on with it.” Duane is to marry Louise Ridehalgh at the Haworth Art Gallery.

Duane Scholes, 26, from Accrington He was involved in an accident on January 23, 2014 when he was hit in the face with a hydraulic pipe. He was left blinded in his right eye and needed a six-hour operation to reconstruct his face The pics were sent to us by his mum Tracie Scholes

The family have now organised a series of fundraising events including one at the Brooks Club in Accrington on Friday, May 2 and a sponsored walk set for August.

His mum Tracie, 43, of Rowan Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, said: “Without the air ambulance then neither of my boys would still be here now. We are so thankful as you can imagine.

“It’s Duane’s birthday on May 5 so it will also be a celebration that he’s still here.”

The Health and Safety Executive are investigating.

A spokesman for Lodematic said: “I can confirm that an accident happened and we are investigating. Duane is currently on leave and we are looking forward to having him back as soon as we can.”