A motorist who suffered serious back injuries in a car crash has received a five-figure payout following a four-year legal battle.

Kelly Ford, of Coalville, was left with chronic back problems after the head-on collision in the town in June 2005.

The 25-year-old is unable to run, stand up for long periods of time and lift heavy objects, as well as facing a battle against arthritis.

Leicester County Court has now awarded her money for a personal injury claim – which includes cash to pay for future medical treatment.

She said: "The crash was a real set back. It's the knock-on effects of the back injury that are worse. I'm 25 years old and I can't really do any sports anymore. It affects me at work as my back gets so stiff. I can't stand up for long periods of time.

"I was a student and didn't have the money for all the physiotherapy I needed.

"The year when the crash happened was very bad for me. After four years, I can't believe I have finally received this money. I just want to be able to recover – now I can do that."

Miss Ford was on her way home from working at Next and was waiting to turn right at the Ellistown Terrace Road and Victoria Road junction in Coalville, when the collision happened. Her car was shunted backwards into a fence.

She was taken to hospital on a spinal board and doctors told her the crash had "jarred" her spine and exacerbated damage done to her back when she suffered a fracture of the spine earlier that year.

She has not made a full recovery from the injuries.

The other motorist's insurers dismissed her personal injury claim.

However, after hearing Miss Ford's evidence in the courtroom, the judge accepted her version of events.