A MOTORBIKE enthusiast who nearly lost a leg in a high-speed accident has started his own rider training company.

Glenn Julian was 18 when he and a car collided just four weeks after he passed his test. A major artery was severed and there was an initial fear that he may have to have the leg amputated.

Now 20 years later, he has launched his own company – Ridercraft – to teach motorcycling skills and promote road safety.

He said: “One part of my business is training – from the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) which all motorcyclists must take before they can even go out on a bike with L-plates fitted, to advanced skills.

“I also work as a consultant for local authorities and the Highways Agency, advising on motorcycle and road safety campaigns, and appearing in DVDs to promote safe riding.”

The consultative work has taken him from Northumberland to Devon.

His 11,000sq metre motorcycle training centre at Redcar Race Course is one of the largest in the region.

Several dozen riders pass the CBT training there each month and Ridercraft has a 100pc pass rate for students taking the advanced skills training.

Mr Julian, who lives in Redcar, received £1,000 from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) to buy a scooter for the business.

Simon Hamilton, UKSE manager, was delighted to help. He said it could be difficult for small businesses to access relatively small amounts of funding they need to get started.

Mr Julian said: “Since my accident, I have been determined to try and help others avoid injury or worse by promoting safe riding through instruction and the safety campaigns I help to create.

“UK Steel Enterprise has been very helpful not only with financial support but also with advice and guidance on becoming self-employed.”