A MAN who was found seriously injured in Accrington town centre after celebrating the birth of his baby has spoken of the fight to reclaim his life.

Mark Nicholson, 34, of Rishton, was allegedly attacked at the corner of Church Street and Holme Street around midnight on Saturday, June 14.

He was on a night out celebrating the birth of his two-week-old daughter when he became separated from his friends.

He had not been on a night out for over a year but was persuaded to go by family and friends.

Mr Nicholson, who is married to Elaine, 25, with two sons aged four and five, could not remember who he was until the following afternoon.

He said it had been a daily struggle with constant trips to the specialists to recover from his physical injuries - a fractured skull, broken jaw, perforated ear drum and cuts and bruises. But he said the mental scars have proved more difficult to overcome.

"It has been a real struggle and at times I have felt very alone. But my wife Elaine has been fantastic and I suppose the only good thing is that it has brought us closer together.

Mr Nicholson also called on Hyndburn Council to honour its promise and erect another CCTV camera because the incident was obscured by a cherry tree.

Steve Tanti, council director of community services, said: "Funding has now been acquired for the CCTV camera and we are working with our various partners to ensure that the camera is installed as soon as possible."

Two Accrington teenagers will appear in Preston Crown Court on Tuesday charged with assault.