A MUf-four who survived a horrific accident in which she was crushed by a forklift truck has been shortlisted for a national Wondermum award.

Warehouse packer Barbara Rostron, 47, of Surrey Road, Blackburn, suffered serious injuries to her lower body, including her abdomen and legs, after the accident at Pets Choice Ltd, Gladstone Street, Blackburn, last October.

She later had to undergo a seven-hour operation and spent weeks in the high dependency unit at Queens Park Hospital.

Inspired by her bravery, eldest son Michael Corke, 24, wrote a letter entering Barbara into the Asda Wondermum competition.

In the letter he told of Barbara's battle to recover from her horrific ordeal.

He said: "When the accident happened we were told to expect the worst, but nearly five months on my mum is out of hospital.

"We are all glad she is home, but obviously she has good days and bad days. It is likely she will be crippled for the rest of her life. She can only walk a few steps using her crutches so she has to get about in a speciall- made wheelchair."

Michael also paid tribute to his 53-year-old stepdad, also called Michael, for his support.

He said: "When mum had her accident up to the present day he has stayed strong for me, my brothers, my sister and of course my mum.

"Although really he is my stepdad I could not ask for a better father. He is a really special parent." Michael, who has two brothers, Wayne, 20 and Shaun, 18, and a 16-year-old sister, Michelle, continued: "I am so proud of my mum and dad for remaining strong over the past few months.

"I really think they are closer than ever."

Carole Davis, from Asda Blackburn, said: "When we read the letter it really touched a few heartstrings.

"Lots of children wrote in to say their mums were wonderful but with this letter we thought 'wow this is just something else'. It was absolutely fantastic."

Barbara will now go before a judging panel in the regional Wondermum awards.

Six finalists will then be chosen to go to a grand ceremony and lunch at the Hilton Hotel in London on May 20.

The overall winner will receive an all-expenses two-week holiday from Thomas Cook with £1,000 spending money, a year's free shopping in Asda, worth up to £4,000, and a year's supply of Daz washing powder.