AMATEUR footballer Sean Bailey, who is battling to walk again after breaking his neck on the pitch earlier this year, is pictured at a special sports day held to raise money for him.

The tough as teak 22-year-old, who featured on last week's Star front page, returned home to Newton-le-Willows for the day from the specialist spinal injuries unit, where he has been undergoing treatment for the past four months after being paralysed.

Townsfolk united on Wargrave Road bowling green for the day arranged by Vulcan Sports Section to raise funds for big hearted Sean, who was skippering their football team when he was injured back in April. Guests tried their hand at fishing, shooting and bowling.

John Pearson, chair of steering group of Vulcan Sports, added: "There was a real sense of community spirit down there. Hundreds turned up, we raised £1,100 and there's more to follow.

"It was great event for the community and is something we are looking to repeat next year."

As we reported last week Sean has astonished doctors by starting to walk again with the aid of crutches.

He had to have a steel rod inserted in his spine and two discs removed after dislocating his neck and suffering spinal damage. When Sean began treatment at the unit in Shropshire specialists warned the odds were against him walking again.

Now the tough tackling centre-half is hopeful more rigorous physiotherapy sessions will help him regain mobility.

Stuart Morley, Vulcan FC chair, added: " Sean gave a fabulous speech that was quite emotional. He's got a date when he'll come home from hospital now. We're all right behind him."