A MIDSUMMER ball will be the final charity event to raise funds for injured PC Martin Miles.

The 49-year-old says that he is getting his life back on track after losing his leg in a motorbike accident 15 months ago.

He had been riding along the B4019 towards the A419 when he was involved in a collision with a 4x4 vehicle.

As he was off duty at the time of the accident, he received little in the way of compensation so friends and members of the Highworth community set up The Martin Miles Appeal Fund.

They have so far raised more than £15,000 for the former Highworth bobby, who is a popular figure in the town.

Martin from Peatmoor, who has served in the police for more than 30 years, says he has been overwhelmed by the kind response of the Swindon public and said the black tie event promises to be a fantastic evening.

"This will be the last event specifically for me, which was entirely my decision," said Martin.

"The appeal has done so much for me that now I think it's time it should help others.

"It will take a new name and a new format and continue fundraising.

"Everyone in Highworth and Swindon has been so supportive it really is very humbling and quite overwhelming to think people do care.

"The ball sounds like a good event and I hope everyone enjoys themselves.

"The organisers have done a brilliant job. It's a long time since I wore long trousers and a suit.

"I don't think I'll be getting up for a dance but you never know."

Martin has been working at Gablecross Police Station as a scrutiny officer for nearly a year, but said that he would swap his desk job for a role out on the streets.

"I miss the buzz and the people from when I was out policing the streets," he said.

"I loved being on the front line, so I've had to adapt quite a bit."

At the end of next month Martin will pool together the money raised and look for a mechanised prosthetic leg.

He said the time since the accident has been difficult not just for him, but for his wife Jo and children Katie, four and Lucie, two.

"I think it's been difficult for them," said Martin.

"But in life you have to make adjustments.

"I'm not walking with the stick any more."

The ball will be held at the Swindon Marriott on Saturday, June 14.

A four-course meal and a charity auction have been planned for the evening.

Tickets are £45 per person and sold on a first come first served basis.

For more information, please call 01793 766825 or email midsummerball@hotmail.co.uk.