A 10-year-old with cerebral palsy was one of the first people to take part in a new wheelchair race.

Sam Walkington, from Kingston, and six others rode in The Simplyhealth Great South Wheelchair Event in Southsea, Porttsmouth, on Sunday, October 22.

The budding athletes raced for one mile in special racing wheelchairs on the same day as The Great South Run.

Sam said: “When I crossed the finishing line I felt really proud of myself because I’ve never done something like this before.

“This has been my first wheelchair event and I want carry on because it’s been really fun, and I’d love to do more events.”

Sam’s cerebral palsy affects his whole body, especially his legs, and he finds it difficult to walk far and has problems with balance.

His father, Simon, said: “I’m immensely proud of Sam. When he crossed the line today he was so delighted and couldn’t quite believe he’s actually completed the whole mile.

The event was launched by Simplyhealth and The Great Run Company to encourage participation in disability sport.

Mr Walkington said: “Event’s like this are incredibly important. When you have a disabled child, you realise how limited it can be to find activities that they can do. It can get children very down so it’s great how a sport like wheelchair racing is being made more and more accessible.”

The group was trained for the event by Paralympic coach Rick Hoskins.

Mr Hoskins said: “Everybody did themselves proud today. My final piece of advice to the participants was to go out and enjoy it. It’s not about a race; it’s about participating in an event and enjoying it.

“Initiatives like this are so important. It’s events like these that help us find the Paralympians of the future.”