A council has made a u-turn after originally telling a man he would not be eligible for compensation when a lorry hit his car.

Mark Jones’s vehicle was parked outside his home in December last year when it was hit by a refuse collection lorry, the Staffordshire Sentinel reports.

The workers left a note on the car to say who had caused the damage, which included smashed lights and crumpled bodywork.

However, when Mr Jones sent in a £2,000 claim for damages, he was told that he would not receive compensation because the road was icy.

He contested the decision and has now been told that he will receive compensation after all.

"After a review, it appears regardless of the ice this accident may have happened anyway due to the density of cars and narrowness of the road, so we have made an offer without prejudice," said a Stoke council spokesperson.

Mr Jones said he is pleased with the new development, which has been described as a victory for common sense.

Anyone whose vehicle is damaged by a council vehicle should keep photographic evidence and any written correspondence in order to support their compensation claim.