A KEEN golfer who was stretchered off the course in agony is celebrating his return to fitness at a tournament.

Bob Scotsman-Smith, 64, is among those taking part in a golf match at Norton Golf Club, near Stockton, this morning.

It marks a milestone for the chartered accountant, from Yarm, who four months ago was paralysed for three hours after suffering a back spasm during a game.

He was given the choice of having a titanium disc and screws fitted, or signing up for a course - the first of its kind in Britain - being run by the Cleveland Nuffield Hospital.

After choosing the latter, he has never looked back.

He said: "I was apprehensive at first, but after only three weeks, I went to Florida on a golfing holiday. Not only was I able to play golf, but I played 11 rounds, won two tournaments and had a hole-in-one. I was flabbergasted."

The 12-week spinal rehabilitation course, run at the David Lloyd health and fitness centre, in Thornaby, involves daily sessions in the gym, exercise studio and swimming pool.

Led by leading consultant spinal surgeon Manoj Krishna, it has a membership of about 20, with new intakes every two weeks.

Mr Scotsman-Smith, who is halfway through the programme, said he has never felt so healthy.

Physiotherapist Greg Henderson said: "Mr Scotsman-Smith's success has inspired fellow back pain sufferers."