Daredevil BMX bike-riding teenager Michael Wells' life changed for ever the day he attempted a difficult jump and landed badly, breaking his back.

But two years on, through a project funded by Wiltshire County Council, national employment charity Shaw Trust has helped the sports-mad 20 year old from Calne land a job he loves -working with bikes.

Michael spent months in hospital after his accident and is now a wheelchair user who will never ride a bike again, but he is involved in other sports and is thrilled to be working with his beloved BMX bikes again.

"I've always been mad about bikes and I'm still very positive and upbeat despite my accident. Its just brilliant to be in paid work again," said Michael, who started his job at Calne based Peddlers bike shop in June.

"I was training to be a welder when I had my accident but afterwards I had no idea what I would do and it was very hard to go out and look for work with no advice or support," he added.

Michael's luck changed when he registered with Shaw Trust's Supported Employment Service based in Melksham and project officer Deborah Corcoran set out to find him paid work and quickly came up with a suitable part time job.

"Michael deserved his chance to get back to work, he is so upbeat and enthusiastic. Peddlers is a great first step for him and we'll always be there to help him as he pursues his ambition to work full time and live an independent life," said Deborah.

Sue Redmond, director of community services at Wiltshire County Council, said: "It is wonderful to see Michael, and others in a similar position to him, benefiting from this invaluable service.

"We are pleased the work Shaw Trust carries out on our behalf is having such a positive impact on people's lives."

Peddlers boss Martin Chandler is delighted with his new member of staff and admits having the support of the Trust has been invaluable.

"Michael is proving an asset to the business, my only reservations were due to the lack of space in the shop. It's been very helpful having experts like Shaw Trust to talk to about any issues that come up and to know they are there to support Michael and offer advice if we need it."

Michael, meanwhile, is hard at work assembling and repairing bikes and in his spare time he has joined wheelchair basketball team the Pirates, has tried water skiing and is signing up for training as a trampolining coach.

"I don't blame the accident on anyone, I just want to move on in my life and get the most out of it and it's great to know that Shaw Trust is there to help me," Michael said.

Editors Notes *A photo of Michael is attached for use with this release 1. For further details, please contact Shaw Trust Communication Manager Annemarie Taylor on 07815 946837 or Becky Gammon on 07779 784901 or you can email crucialpr@shaw-trust.org.uk 2. Shaw Trust is a national charity, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, which helps people with disability or disadvantage to find work and achieve independence. We do this not only by delivering government programmes, but also through our own self-funded initiatives, and by campaigning to change attitudes at all levels.

3. Shaw Trust has grown into a world-renowned international organisation, which over the years has supported nearly160,000 disabled and disadvantaged people and helped some 50,000 of them into work.

4. Across the UK more than 1,200 staff now oversee a diverse range of more than 200 projects.