INJURED jockey Scott Taylor could be about to return home permanently, nearly a year after he suffered serious head injuries in a riding accident.

Scott, 27, from Fishburn, County Durham, has been told by doctors that he should be able to go home before the end of July.

His family last night said they hoped he could be home to celebrate his birthday at his local working men's club in Fishburn, by July 27.

To be home for his birthday was one of Scott's ambitions after his accident.

He told The Northern Echo: "They want me to be able to walk before they let me out of here. I'm not going to walk out - I'm going to run out"

His family share his determination to have Scott home as soon as possible.

Scott's father, Rob, said: "We hope that we can have him home before the end of July. Work is set to start on a new bungalow for Scott in Fishburn, so he can be close to his family and friends, very soon."

Scott is being treated for his injuries in Hunter's Moor Rehabilitation Centre, Newcastle, where he has spent most of the time since his accident at Perth Racecourse, last August.

He has been learning to talk and walk again, and has been receiving both physiotherapy and speech therapy.

Scott still uses a wheelchair, but has been taking aided steps on his feet.

He has had several trips out of hospital, one to Newcastle Racecourse, and several to spend the night in his own home in Fishburn.

Scott is a popular figure on the National Hunt racing circuit.

He suffered serious head injuries when his mount Te Akau Dan, which he was riding in the HLB Kidsons Novices Chase, at Perth, caught its hind legs on a fence and its front legs slipped away, catapulting him into the air.

Many thousands of pounds have been raised for Scott throughout the country, through auctions, entertainment nights and sponsored events such as parachute jumps.

Fundraising continues to raise cash to help Scott's future