A YOUNG man from Folly Gate has been given a £2,000 grant to help him continue the hobby that has helped him through the last two years of therapy.

At 18, Matthew Wooldridge, now 21, was in a car accident that left him fighting for his life with the risk of brain damage. He has been through a series of therapies and slowly but surely, is on the road to recovery.

During his therapy, Matthew developed a love for pigeon racing, and has a pigeon loft at the end of his garden.

He recently received a cheque from £2,000 from the Royal Pigeon Racers' Association to provide easier access to the coop. He was presented with the money by Don Hendon, RPRA regional committee president.

Derek Cook, from the RPRA regional committee for Devon and Cornwall, said: 'It is rather inspirational to see Matthew on the road to recovery and continuing his passion for pigeons.

'At the cheque presentation, Matthew stood up and gave a speech, and it was wonderful to see his spirit and resolve. Pigeon racing is something that has kept him going since his accident, and has been very therapeutic. We felt if we can make that easier and more accessible for him, we should.'

The money was raised at the British Homing World Pigeon Show of the Year in Blackpool. The event is one of the biggest of its kind in the world, and each year generates around £80,000 in profits. This is given to a range of charities, organisations and individuals across the country.