ALAN MARTIN'S life has turned a corner and now he is on the road to success.

The inventor and reformed offender has received official recognition for steering youngsters away from a life of crime and for designing a motorbike for wheelchair users.

Alan, 64, from Hyde, turned his life round after spending a total of 27 years in prison for offences including stealing cars and armed robbery.

The Hyde District Assembly has presented Alan, who runs Martin's Conquest, with a special certificate of achievement. Chairman Coun John Sullivan describes him as an "amazing man".

Alan combines putting the finishing touches to his design for a three-wheel, high-performance motorbike for wheelchair users with running a 10-week course called "wheels on wheels" teaching youngsters motorbike mechanics.

"When I was in prison I thought my whole life had been a total disaster," he said.

"I gained GCSEs and learned a lot about motorbikes. I thought it would be great if I could teach young kids. They all know about my past. When they start performing I tell them `don't waste you life, just look at me'. I got so much pleasure when I received the award, I had a lump in my throat."

Alan was inspired to create the unique Partly Disabled Person's Conquest vehicle after his son, Stuart; a former ski instructor, suffered an accident five years ago. The 41-year-old is confined to a wheelchair. The design won cash backing from Grand Prix racing car designer Sir Frank Williams. Tweet