A marine who lost his legs when he stepped on an anti-tank mine in Afghanistan proudly shows off his car's new number plate.

Joe Townsend was 19 when he was injured while on patrol in Helmand Province.

Eleven months later he is back behind the wheel of his Audi A5, fitted with a brand new 800 private plate.

Joe, from Astaire Avenue in Eastbourne, said: "I thought it would be fun and show I've not lost my sense of humour.

"I've had the car specially adapted with hand controls.

"I just jumped in and after a couple of hours practice I was driving like I was before."

On Tuesday, The Argus revealed how Wealden District Council ruled a bungalow specially designed for him could not be built at his grandparents home in Hankham near Pevensey.