​A Bristol father-of-four who cheated death when he was set on fire in an 11,000-volt explosion at work says his wristwatch may have saved his life.

The 51-year-old, who lives in Bedminster Down, was airlifted to Frenchay Hospital after the accident in September and spent five days in intensive care being treated for burns to his face, chest, neck and arms.

But he has now made a remarkable recovery and puts his early return home down to the “friendliness and positivity” of the nurses who cared for him – and the role played by his metal wristwatch.

Cable jointer Mr Edwards was connecting a high-voltage switch in Stroud in the belief the electricity was turned off when the accident happened on September 18.

He said: “It was touch and go. I should have died from an 11,000-volt explosion. I think it was my watch that took the electricity down to earth rather than my body.“It has gone black but it is still working.

“After I was burnt I was fully aware of what was going on. I can remember coming away and trying to put myself out and then my colleagues threw me on the floor.

“A paramedic was there in what seemed like no time. It felt good and like the situation was in control.”

Mr Edwards spent five days in intensive care in an induced coma. The medical team cleaned his burns, which required him to be anaesthetised because the skin was so delicate, and grafts were carried out.

Mr Edwards’ nine-year-old daughter Lauryn was not allowed to see him for a week because the burns were so severe. But his three older children, Dean, 32, Wesley, 30, and Stephanie, 22, from his previous marriage, were at his bedside with Mr Edwards’ wife Lynn.

Mrs Edwards, 41, a part-time civil servant, barely recognised her husband when she first saw him at Frenchay Hospital.

She said: “It was lucky Steve had his hard hat on because that saved his hair. He was totally unrecognisable apart from his hair.

“They told me he had 20 per cent burns and that the neck was pretty bad but that although his face was burnt, it was going to be all right, which was difficult to believe when I first saw him.”

Mr Edwards now returns to Frenchay Hospital twice a week for physiotherapy and other appointments.

He has returned to ward 104 to thank the staff who cared for him.

Money collected from family and friends has been given to the nursing team so they can put it towards their Christmas night out.

Mr Edwards said: “When I had a really low point, when it dawned on me how close it had been that day, one of the nurses came in and asked me what was up, even though they were busy.

“They put my mind at rest so much and it changed my outlook.

“From that moment I moved on and pushed on with everything and I think that is what got me out of hospital so quick – the friendliness and positivity of the nurses. It was almost a pleasure to be there.”

The family is also going to raise money for the Great Western Air Ambulance because they were so impressed by the team that helped Mr Edwards.

He said: “We want to thank the air ambulance because they were incredible.

“I know the hospital did a lot of the work for me but they got me there and they need the support.

“I can’t thank them enough.”