A CIRCUS worker paralysed in an accident at Silsden nearly a quarter of a century ago is making an emotional first-ever return to the scene.

Frank Wiegers will visit the Keighley Road site where he suffered devastating injuries in 1992.

The dad-of-two, who has been in a wheelchair since the accident, says making the journey from his Dutch home is important to help "lay ghosts to rest".

While here, Mr Wiegers – now 52 – will also visit Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield where he spent several months undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.

He was working as part of the crew with Chipperfields circus when the accident occurred.

While the Big Top was being dismantled, a section of tent weighing about three tonnes rolled off a trailer and pinned him to the ground.

"The canvas was on top of the lower half of my body and as a consequence I suffered permanently disabling injuries – it left me paraplegic from the waist down," said Mr Wiegers.

After five months in Pinderfields, he returned to the Netherlands where he spent more time rehabilitating in Amsterdam.

He trained as a technical drawer, a career he enjoyed for 17 years.

Mr Wiegers hasn't worked since 2013, but he pursues several sports and is a member of the Dutch paralympic archery team.

"Being in a wheelchair costs energy and brings a lot of pain to my body," he said.

"At Pinderfields they stressed the importance of sport and how it helps the disabled.

"I started out in the gym, did some swimming and five years ago took up archery."

Mr Wiegers, who had worked in circuses worldwide before his accident, said the return to Silsden was something he needed to do.

"There are some things in life that haven't got a right place in my mind and I believe coming back to where the accident happened will help me," he added.

"The first day after my accident I cannot remember anything.

"This will help sort things out in my head.

"I've been in touch with Pinderfields and although my old ward isn't there any more, some of the nurses from 24 years ago are still there and I'm looking forward to seeing them again.

"I'm sure it will be very emotional."

The Keighley News attempted to contact Chipperfields, but no one had responded at the time of going to press.