A young man paralysed in a horrific crash is training as a counsellor to help other people with spinal injuries.

This time last year Nic Kane from Sandhutton, near Thirsk, was waiting to come home after fighting for his life in James Cook hospital for months.

A car crashed head on into his motorbike leaving him paralysed from the chest down with limited use of his arms.

Mr Kane, 21, is now training as a counsellor at Northallerton College and works with the spinal injuries association to promote the work they do.

He also works on the patient focus group of the spinal unit at the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough where he acts as a buddy for other patients.

His mother, Trish, said:”It’s been an amazing journey and one we would rather not be doing but Nic has done so well, he takes it all in his stride and is just an inspiration to us. He has just taken delivery of a VW transporter so is back behind the wheel.

“This time last year we were waiting for him to come out of hospital and had no idea what lay ahead.

“We can’t thank people enough for the help and support they have given us. We are so proud of Nic, he is the one that keeps us going because he is so positive. ”

Readers of The Northern Echo and Darlington and Stockton Times helped raise thousands of pounds to buy Mr Kane an off road wheelchair and his first rugby chair after he took up the sport following the crash.