A "INSPIRATIONAL" man paralysed in a freak sporting accident hopes to represent his community as a local councillor.

Will Clark, 32, has been selected to stand as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Lakes division, covering Ambleside and Grasmere, in the forthcoming Cumbria County Council elections in May.

The former Lakes School pupil now helps mentor people with spinal injuries through The Back Up Trust, as well as volunteering in a variety of roles at Grasmere School, the Great North Air Ambulance and The Calvert Trust.

But he said he would relish the challenge of speaking up for residents in his community.

Mr Clark said: "This is the area where I grew up and have lived for many years.

"I am really looking forward to the challenge and reward that representing my community with the Lib Dems will bring.”

Sport-loving Mr Clark, who has worked at ski resorts in France and New Zealand, suffered a high level spinal injury after falling from his bike during a charity triathlon in 2012.

But he has refused to allow his disability to curtail his love of outdoor adventure and he continues to sail, get out into the Lakeland fells on his special Boma bike and has recently returned from a skiing trip to Sweden.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: "Will is a real inspiration, and I am delighted he has been selected as the Lib Dem candidate to represent Ambleside and Grasmere on the county council.

"Will is very well known and is a key part of the local community.

"I know he will make an excellent councillor.”

The local election will take place on Thursday May 4, when candidates for each of CCC's 84 seats will be contested.