A PAPER mill is to be prosecuted over an horrific accident in which a worker had all eight fingers sliced off.

Health and safety officials are bringing a case against Sappi after the incident at its Blackburn mill last year.

They allege that the firm failed to ensure the safety of employees in the operation of a reel splitter machine which is used to cut giant reels of paper.

The case, brought under the Health and Safety at Work Act, is due to be heard at Blackburn magistrates on August 21

Harry Fishwick, 58, of Chorley, became the first British patient to have all his fingers successfully sewn back on following the accident. He underwent 18 hours of microsurgery at Withington Hospital, which was carried out by a team of five surgeons while he was awake.

The fact that the injury had been caused by a sharp blade which produced a clean cut was a major factor in making the reattachment possible. He also needed a full body blood transfusion during his ordeal.

Although Mr Fishwick will not regain the grip in his fingers, he will be able to grip between his thumb and forefinger.

It is understood his injuries were caused by the guillotine blade of the machine.