A DISABLED athlete is trying to raise funds for a special wheelchair he needs to compete.

Robert Charlton, 28, of Norton, has been in a wheelchair since he was hit by a car in 1995.

He enjoys playing basketball and is secretary of the Teesside Lions Wheelchair Sports Club. The club was registered as a charity four years ago and since then has been funded through grants.

Now the members are looking for sponsorship and Robert is trying to raise £1,500 for the wheelchair he needs to play the game.

He said: "The wheelchair looks very different to my normal one - it's about three feet wide and is easier to manoeuvre on the court.

"The club has a stack of chairs that we lend out to people to use, but they get damaged and it would be so much better to have my own chair."

The team train twice a week and are also involved in a league, which they won last year.

Anyone who can help can contact Mr Charlton on (01642) 557844.