The wife of a businessman who suffered horrific burns when he fell into caustic soda will be celebrating the New Year in the knowledge her husband is on the road to recovery.

Hopes were high that Frank Bland might have been well enough to be allowed home in time for Christmas after receiving specialist treatment at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield.

But a further operation for skin grafts to his feet and lower body on Christmas Eve means he will not now leave hospital until the New Year.

Mr Bland, 55, was drenched from head-to-foot in caustic soda which was being heated in a tank at his furniture-stripping business in Idle, Bradford, in October.

His wife, Carole, spent Christmas Day at his hospital bedside. She said: "Frank was worried about the operation but he was very positive. The nurses were happy with the operation and he was resting afterwards.

"He is in quite good spirits but in quite a lot of pain still as well.

"Christmas was quite good. Frank's sisters, niece and brother-in-law came over for a couple of hours. The staff were good in hospital and he got a Christmas dinner. He did not expect to see everyone because it was Christmas."

Mr Bland was saved by the quick actions of Peter Armstrong, who lives near the workshop and heard his cries for help.

He ran over and doused his friend in cold water before the emergency services arrived.

At first it was feared Mr Bland had suffered extensive eye damage but doctors were able to save his sight. He is now slowly learning to walk and stand again.

Mrs Bland, of Cottingley, said: "He said he cannot remember the last time he had to relax so much but he is being kept busy in hospital.

"He is taken to the gym every week-day and three days a week he goes to occupational therapy. He can get up and walk with a Zimmer frame."

Mr Bland was allowed home for an hour last week to see how he would cope out of hospital and to assess any alterations needed to the house for his return.