A bar steward who was sacked while recovering from a leg amputation has been paid an undisclosed sum of money by a board of directors.

Derek Gamage, 63, of Gwyneth Road, Littlemore, Oxford, was awarded almost £10,000 at an industrial tribunal in 1995 but, until this summer, had not received a penny from his former employers.

Now, he has been paid an undisclosed sum and told it doesn't prejudice his continued fight for damages. Lucy's Sports and Social Club, in Walton Well Road, Oxford, folded just days after Mr Gamage's award was made. No payout was made by Lucy's Foundry, which owned the club.

Mr Gamage, whose right leg was amputated after poor circulation threatened to turn it gangrenous, said of the payment: "It was a nice gesture."

Tony Winckworth, the foundry secretary, said Mr Gamage's case had a long and complicated history. He added that the directors had decided they should do something to help and confirmed it did not prejudice any future action he may pursue with the club's liquidators. Mr Winckworth said: "The directors said we really must do something to help this man."

Meanwhile, a new club stewards' society set up a year ago has raised £100 for the Kidney Unit in Oxford's Churchill Hospital - where Mr Gamage was treated.

Story date: Wednesday 13 October

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