A ROSSENDALE firefighter who broke his back after falling through an empty mill while tackling an arson blaze has returned to work after a seven month recuperation.

Chris Farrow, 21, of Rose Hill Street, Bacup, feared he would never be able to fight fires again when medical staff told him he had crushed a part of his lower vertebrae.

He was injured tackling the blaze at Albert Mill, Whitworth, and had to be rushed to Rochdale Infirmary after his fall back in May.

Chris said: “When the doctors told me I had broken my back I thought I may never work again, and that was the scariest thing.

“It’s great to be back and to get out of the house finally.

“Due to my injuries, I had to stay on the sofa for months, and all the time I just wanted to be out doing the job.

“I'm back at work now and to be honest my fall has not affected the way I do my job.

“I'm still not afraid of fighting fire or giving it my all.”

The Market Street site, which was described as a magnet for vandals, was attended by 30 firefighters who had to prevent several acetylene cylinders from exploding after arsonists started a rubbish fire.

At the time, residents in Whitworth were warned to stay indoors and an exclusion zone of 200 metres was set up.

Chief Fire Officer, Peter Holland, said he was delighted that Chris had returned to work: “I would like to thank the medical staff that have helped Chris recover from his injuries and return to work.

“The accident provides a stark reminder of the dangers that firefighters can face and I commend their courage and bravery when they are confronted with these situations.

Chris has now been assigned to full duties after a stint on light practice to aid his recovery.

He said: “The lads in the team have been really helpful and have supported me throughout the whole thing.

“I was itching to get out of the house and now I’m back its really good.”