A WEST Devon disabled teenager has been busy trying out his new wheels thanks to a lot of hard work, fundraising and generosity of the community.

Alex Phipps and his parents, from Whitchurch, were recently able to buy a much-needed all terrain, power-assisted wheelchair after Alex outgrew his old chair.?They have been out and about on the moors, enjoying the outdoor life Alex loves so much.

Alex suffers with Emanuel Syndrome, a rare condition caused by a chromosome abnormality, which means he is physically and mentally disabled, has severe learning difficulties and is totally reliant on his parents' care.

Parents Ian and Helen had previously been pushing him around in a manual wheelchair and using a three-wheeler buggy on tougher terrain which Alex had grown out of.

The new chair, which has a tilt and rise system and sturdy wheels that can tackle multiple terrain, cost around £14,000 and was bought thanks to various grants and a number of fundraising events, including a charity golf day and an end of year quiz night.

Ian said: 'We are absolutely delighted to have taken delivery of Alex's new all-terrain wheelchair. It looks fantastic and we can tell that Alex finds it extremely comfortable — he has already fallen asleep while out in it!

'We spent several hours out and about when we got it, on Whitchurch Down, where Alex enjoys seeing the ponies, and in town learning how to negotiate the wheelchair through the farmers' market and along the high street.

'Having the new chair means we will be able to take Alex to all the places and events he loves, such as music festivals.

'The rising seat brings his head up level with ours, so he will now be able to see the stage when we are in a crowd and the big wheels and great suspension mean we can travel over all sorts of terrain — family trips to the beach had been nearly impossible, but this machine will easily cope with sand.

'We are enormously grateful for the support and generosity shown to us by local people. Alongside grants from the Newlife Foundation, Children Today, Chips Charity and the Family Fund, this support has enabled us to buy a wheelchair which will enhance Alex's life in a big way for many years to come.

'We hope that when people meet Alex out enjoying himself in the chair, they will see for themselves that they have helped to make his life happier and more fulfilled.'