The 23-year-old, who lost both of his legs in a landmine blast in Afghanistan in 2006, returns to the Headley Court Medical Centre today after a morale-boosting festive fortnight surrounded by family and friends at his new Bessacarr bungalow.

And in a straightforward but poignant show of gratitude, the former paratrooper has given the thumbs up to the people of Doncaster - so far responsible for raising almost £10,000 in our 'Help Brave Ben' appeal to collect enough money for a specially-modified car for him and his family.

Reflecting upon the last year, Ben's mum Diane Dernie, of Wheatley Hills, said her son's incredible progress - both physically and mentally - had left his fellow injured soldiers in Surrey in awe of him, while pointing out that his objectives for the New Year were crystal clear.

"We've had some bad times (in 2007] but not Ben," said Diane. "Ben's always been positive - always determined.

"We promised him last year he'd be home for this Christmas. At times we didn't think we'd get there but Ben never thought that. Next Christmas he'll be walking and talking."

Battery sergeant major Karl Brennan, of Askern, was Ben's boss in war-torn Afghanistan and was sickened to learn about the bomb blast which also saw the youngster break his back, skull, pelvis, nose, jaw and cheekbone.

Visiting his colleague on New Year's Eve, the 36-year-old was struck by the improvement in his condition and continued positive outlook on life.

"I've always said Ben's like he is for two reasons," he said. "One he's a paratrooper, and two he's from Yorkshire. You can see how much he's perked up just by looking at his face.

"The first time I saw Ben he was just laying there - nothing," he added. "To see him like this now, it's absolutely amazing."

Ben, who still uses an electronic spellboard to communicate, said this week he had enjoyed every single minute of his return home, which included a trip to Castle Park on Boxing Day to greet friends from his days as a junior rugby player at the club.

And that joy was shared among his many relatives.

"It's been unbelievable to have him home, for all his family to see him, and to not have to leave him at night - even though he's with all his mates," said Diane.

"We've been up and down to London so many times, so to have him here all the time has just been fantastic. It's been hard for us to keep going so to get him home and have a rest has been great.

"What he's probably enjoyed more than anything is having his computer," she added. "At Headley he gets access to a computer but sites like Facebook are blocked. He has spent a lot of time talking to his friends online and it's kept him in touch with everybody.

"He misses the boys at Headley Court. It's a two-edged thing. Having him at home is brilliant but he's also looking forward to getting back there."

Ben, who unexpectedly received the Lazy Boy from one of his former Army comrades, will return to the town again in late February after completing the next stage of neuro-rehabilitation.

By which time we hope to be in a position to present him with a Kia Sedona people carrier, in partnership with F.Cross & Son Kia Ltd of Hatfield.

In the meantime, you will not find Ben taking it easy.

* Anyone arranging a 'Help Brave Ben' fundraising event should contact us (01302) 347260 for publicity.