AN ex-soldier who lost an arm in motorcycle crash six years ago has been rewarded for his positive approach to life.

In 2009, Dan Richards, 30, who used to live in Cheney Manor, suffered the life changing injury but has never let him take it down.

Two years ago he took a job as a chauffeur with international company Capstar and earlier this month beat competition from across the country to pick up the prestigious Professional Driver of the Year award following a ceremony in Effingham.

“I am absolutely over-the-moon to have won,” said the former Lance Bombardier, who now lives in West London.

“I’m not sure how many people are put forward but it is for all drivers from across the country. Several days before the award my boss told me he had put me forward and it wasn’t until the final ten came on the screen I knew I’d been shortlisted.

“When they announced my name it was great. There was a standing ovation and they read a speech about me.

“I think what I have overcome was a factor in me winning but I have never had a day off or been late and love my job so that played a part.”

To help him get over his injury, Dan has always set himself a series of goals and picking up the driver of the year award was simply the latest.

He said: “I first found out about this award last year and it was then I set myself the target of winning it.

“That’s how I’ve dealt with my injury. I could have just felt sorry for myself but people’s sympathy only lasts for a certain time.

“It means I have something to focus on rather thinking about my injury.

“I would advise anyone who has gone through something similar to set themselves goals.”

Dan says that driving for Capstar is something he thoroughly enjoys. The company was set up several years ago and employs ex-military personnel, with Dan being with the company from the start.

“I just love working for Capstar,” he said. “It’s the only companies in driving to employ on ex-military and it particularly gets people who’ve had injuries like mine.

“Everyone has a similar background which is something you don’t get on ‘civy-street’. There is no looking down on anyone and we all work well together.

“It’s because of this that I’m happy to work late or at short notice.”