NISSAN has created a special edition of one of its cars for a North-East Paralympic hero.
Matt Wylie won gold in the 50m freestyle S9 at the Rio Paralympics on Tuesday, and the car manufacturer is to build a special golden Leaf for the Sunderland-born swimmer.
The 19-year-old's father, Mike, works as an IT manager at the Sunderland factory.
“Last night’s race was so close, it must have been incredible exciting for everyone watching back home but my nerves are completely shredded.
“Looking back to the early days with Matt, I never thought I would see anything like this happen.
“My colleagues have been really supportive all the way. They’re really happy for Matt and are always following his career.
“I’m really proud that a company like ours is supporting events like the Olympic and Paralympic Games and helping athletes like Matt.”
Nissan is the official automotive partner of Britain’s Paralympic team and all Nissan’s Paralympic GB athletes returning from Rio with a gold medal will be invited to collect a rare vehicle in a ceremony at the plant.
The car maker recently celebrated its 30th anniversary since its arrival in Sunderland and has built almost nine million vehicles.
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