A PARALYMPIAN footballer is set to take to the pitch in Rio with a pair of specialist boots thanks to the generosity of a local firm.

Matt Crossen, from Stockton, is a member of the Paralympics GB 7 A-Side CP Football team.

The 26-year-old, who was part of a successful Marske United team in Northern League Division 1, suffered a stroke at the age of 23 and as a result has limited movement on his left hand side.

The new boots, supplied by Stockton-based PASS, are specially adapted to Matt's condition. Made by Adidas, they are designed without laces and have high ankle support and are perfectly suited to helping Matt’s condition as he plays football.

Since his recovery, he has become an established international Cerebral Palsy player, helping England to a fifth-place finish at the 2015 World Championships which qualified them for Rio.

Tipped as one of the BBCs ‘Ones to Watch’ the talented footballer was struggling with working full time, travelling to and from his England & GB training and the joys of being a father after his daughter was born in September last year.

Matt, who still can’t quite believe he’s going to Rio, said: "It probably won’t hit me until the night before I actually go."