BMX enthusiast Michael Wells' life changed forever the day he attempted a difficult jump and broke his back.

But two years on the Calne teenager, now 20, has landed his dream job at Peddlers bike shop in Calne.

After the accident Michael was left paralysed from the bottom of his rib cage down.

It meant the sports mad teenager could never ride his BMX again.

Yet Michael vowed he would not let the accident stop him from living a full life.

He said: "When I was in hospital I just had to be positive. Now there is so much I can do. Being in a wheelchair is not like it was years ago.

"I don't blame anyone for the accident because I did it to myself. From the start I have been positive and upbeat.

"Since being in my chair I have been water-skiing, rock climbing and abseiling. Abseiling was scary because you have to do it backwards but it was a lot of fun.

"I am a member of Wiltshire's basketball team and would absolutely love to go all the way to the Olympics."

Michael, who broke his back at the Bowl skate park in Calne, found his dream job through national employment charity Shaw Trust which aims to find disabled people work in its area.

Peddlers manager Martin Chandler is delighted with his new employee.

He said: "Michael is proving an asset to the business. My only reservations were due to the lack of space in the shop. It has been very helpful having Shaw Trust to talk to about any issues that come up."

Proud parent Gill has been amazed by her son's strength and determination.

She said: "He has been amazing. After he had the accident he didn't shed a tear or feel sorry for himself.

"I know Michael will have a full and long life. Before the accident he was always out on his bike and instead of finding this difficult after the accident he showed the most amazing patience.

"It was almost as though he said: OK I am in a wheelchair - show me what I can do.'"

Michael, who is learning to drive, fixes bikes and helps assemble new bikes.