A YOUNG wheelchair rugby player from Salisbury has finally got a new set of wheels with the help of the local community.

Connor Sanderson was in desperate need of a specialist wheelchair to allow him to compete in matches.

The 13-year-old, who trains every week with Team Solent Sharks at Southampton Solent University, was born with sacral agenesis meaning he has no femurs and an abnormal pelvis. He also has a hole in his heart.

A fundraising campaign to raise about £3,500 for the wheelchair was started in July 2015. And earlier this month Connor's dream of having a new chair became a reality

"He loves it," said his mum Sue. "It is a chair that fits him and he will be able to do adult competitions once he has been classified. It will make a great deal of difference."

While funds were being raised Connor has had to use a club wheelchair.

"It has taken two years but it is well worth it. I'm glad we've done it," said Sue. "I want to say thank you to everyone. We couldn't have done it without them."

More than £2,000 was raised on an online fundraising page. Connor's appeal was also supported by the local community - Staff at Londis Post Office in Bemerton Heath raised £700 by doing a fancy dress week.

The wheelchair appeal also received funding from Whizz-Kidz.

Connor will be putting his new wheelchair through its paces this week.

He thanked everyone who helped him get his chair and said that he "can't wait to get his first hit from his fellow players at rugby".

The specialist chair will also help to open up further opportunities for him to get involved in the sport at a more professional level.