AN England international Badminton player, paralysed after being in a collision involving a car, while out walking on Exmouth seafront two years ago, has received a new �5,000 wheelchair.

AN England international Badminton player, paralysed after being in a collision involving a car, while out walking on Exmouth seafront two years ago, has received a new �5,000 wheelchair.

The accident left Exeter College student David Follett, 20, unable to move from the chest down and with severe muscle spasms in his legs - he needs to move them to get rid of the pain.

Thanks to the charity Action for Kids, he has now received a new stand-up wheelchair.

His new power-assisted wheels will not only help David to control the spasms, he will have better mobility and greater independence as he starts a course in coaching and fitness at Exeter College.

David, also a member of Devon Racketeers, a wheelchair badminton club, is about to compete in the Four Nations Badminton Series in Dublin.

"I'm really looking forward to representing England at the tournament and competing at such a high level," said David.

"I love badminton and want to go on to teach it to other young people in the future, so this new chair will really help me achieve my dream.

"The new chair has made a massive difference already, because it does really help to control the spasms in my legs, and makes it much easier for me when I am out and about."

Disability charity Action for Kids provided more than �5,000 for the LEVO stand-up wheelchair, which will help his fitness and relieve sitting pressure and pain.

The charity provides disabled young people, up to the age of 26, with specialist mobility equipment as well as an on-going maintenance programme to ensure wheelchairs stay up-and-running.

Sally Bishop, founder of Action for Kids, said: "We're always pleased to help support young people like David.

"We know that the new chair will offer him fantastic physical and emotional benefits and we look forward to hearing how he's getting on over the next few months."

The equipment, which is provided on a permanent loan scheme, means that Action for Kids covers the cost of maintaining and servicing wheelchairs, and now the charity also provides maintenance on privately-owned wheelchairs.