Talan Skeels-Piggins, the Wiltshire teacher-turned-Paralympian, has been awarded £10,000 towards his Castle Combe initiative to help disabled motorcyclists.

The former PE teacher at St Laurence School, in Bradford on Avon, was paralysed from the waist down after a motorbike accident in 2003.

He has since become a Paralympic skiier and started a charity that gives disabled bikers the chance to get back in the saddle.

Mr Skeels-Piggins, 41, started The Bike Experience, a track-based event at Castle Combe Race Circuit to help bikers who have been injured.

They have a team of volunteers who help the riders go round the track at speed and he has adapted a number of bikes for use by disabled riders.

Now the charity has been given a cash boost by the Big Lottery, who awarded it £10,000 in its latest round of grants.

Mr Skeels-Piggins said: “Learning to ride again changes people’s lives.

“It shows them that what they thought was impossible is possible.

“It is the realisation of a dream for them. Some people have been paralysed for more than 30 years so it is very emotional for them.

“For others, those who are newly disabled, it changes the way they see the rest of their lives. It alters their mindset.

“When you are paralysed, that wheelchair becomes a prison you cannot escape from.

“But biking gives you total fulfillment and exhilaration. It allows people to grow in confidence and improves their strength and balance. It is good for physical as well as mental well-being.”

Mark Cotton, Big Lottery Fund head of region for the South West, said: “Talan Skeels-Piggins is a truly inspiring individual.

“I am delighted that BIG funding will enable him to continue running his charity, which will be giving other disabled individuals the opportunity to experience the sense of freedom and joy that racetrack motorcycling can bring.

“The Bike Experience is just one example in a whole range of incredible projects securing funding today across the south west.”