A BOOK chronicling the life of a disabled Darlington man is being re-released in a bid to reach a new audience.

Documenting the life and times of Paul Hodgson, Flipper’s Side became a sold-out success following its original print run in 2000.

After being rewritten by Mr Hodgson and co-author Mike Jarvie, the popular book will now be re-released under the name Give Them Wings.

Mr Hodgson, now 51, hopes the updated and reworked book will introduce a new generation of readers to his biography before he writes a second instalment.

Give Them Wings explores the highs and lows of Mr Hodgson’s life and his experiences as a disabled person, filmmaker and avid football fan.

It follows him through childhood to the year 2000, where the planned second biography will pick up from.

Highlights include moving depictions of Mr Hodgson’s time at Newcastle’s Percy Hedley school, the institution he credits with inspiring him to live an independent life.

The book also includes a humorous recounting of the time Darlington FC fan Mr Hodgson and a friend were trapped in a pub full of Hartlepool United fans.

Mr Hodgson said: “It’s a warts and all book about how, despite being badly disabled, I’ve managed to live an independent and meaningful life.

“It even talks about sex – a lot of people didn’t think about disabled people having sex but I think that’s changing now.”

Mr Hodgson added: “While Mike and I were very happy with Flipper’s Side, we can now see it was raw and unsophisticated in places.

“Over the years we have become far better writers and therefore decided to revise and considerably expand the work one day.

“We’re really pleased we’ve managed to get it done as it’s something that’s been on the back burner for a while.”

Mr Jarvie added: “On many occasions, Paul and I talked about reengineering Flipper’s Side but were always busy with work or other projects.

“I have to say we are very satisfied with what we have produced.”

The Kindle edition of Give Them Wings, costing £2.99, can now be pre-ordered at amazon.co.uk.

It will be officially released on Monday, October 3.