Midlands-born F1 ace Nigel Mansell reveals his 'magic' solution to recovery from a near fatal crash

Birmingham-born F1 ace Nigel Mansell has revealed he used magic to help him beat a severe brain injury - after a 240mph crash left him unable to recognise his own children.

The ex-world champion added that the 2010 collision turned him into a “hermit” who could not speak.

The 62-year-old joined the Magic Circle after surviving the crash, which he initially feared would claim his life.

Mansell described his ordeal at the legendary Le Mans circuit in France in his acceptance speech as he received a lifetime achievement honour at the Birmingham Sports Awards.

Mansell said he "pinged off the barriers two or three times", at impacts of up to 210mph, with the third one injuring his neck - leaving him with an "incredible haematoma" on his brain.

He said when he did come round he did not who he was, that he was married and he did not know his children, and lived for months as a "hermit".

Mansell dedicated his accolade - for his services to sport and to Birmingham - to a close friend who committed suicide earlier this month.

He broke down in tears as he received his award from television presenter Gary Newbon at last Thursday’s ceremony at Villa Park.

The star won the F1 world championship in 1992 and was awarded a CBE in 2012.

He now lives in Jersey with his wife Roseanne.