Dr Glyn Powell, now of Kellington, near Selby, was cycling home from his job as a controller at Eggborough Power Station when the accident happened on the A19, on November 29, 2005.

The 58-year-old father-of-two, formerly of Middle Road, Earlsheaton, received head injuries so severe he suffered a life-threatening stroke and was paralysed for two months.

He was hit with such force by the roadsweeper's wing mirror it left an imprint on the back of his head.

Dr Powell, a former independent councillor for Dewsbury East, returned to work part time in May 2006 in a wheelchair. He was taken to work by his wife and returned home by a nurse every day.

He was eventually forced to take early retirement in 2007, having never fully recovered, leaving him with a £24,000 a year shortfall between his wage and his pension.

Now he has been awarded the cash lump sum in an out-of-court settlement with Yorkshire roadsweeper operator RK and CE    Smallwood.

Dr Powell said: "The money will go on my living and care expenses.

"I was very fit and active before the accident – I was playing cricket for my local team and I cycled to and from work every day.

"Now if I walk more than 50 or 60 yards I have to stop. I can be very unsteady on my feet and my left arm has lost all dexterity. I cannot do up my own buttons or fasten a tie.

"My life has totally changed, though I do feel lucky to have got back to some sense of normality."

Dr Powell's union, Unite, instructed Thompsons Solicitors to take action against the roadsweeping firm and the settlement was made for loss of earnings, pain and suffering and for ongoing care.

Dr Powell, who previously worked as a convenor for the T&G union, said: "Joining a union is not just about job security and pay concerns – you also get their support in legal cases.

"If I hadn't been a member of Unite I wouldn't have been able to afford to take action and probably would not have been awarded  anything."

A spokesman for RK and CE Smallwood said they were very sorry the accident had happened but didn't wish to comment further.