THEY look like ‘The Wrong Trousers’ from a Wallace and Gromit animation, but a real-life pair of robotic legs called Rex has proved to be a ‘cracking’ invention on a visit to Teesside.

For paralysed people usually restricted to a wheelchair, the electronic suit lets them walk forwards and backwards at the flick of a switch.

To celebrate his 32nd birthday, Gareth Herridge was eager to test out the ground-breaking technology for the second time at the Golden Jubilee regional spinal injuries unit at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

It is almost ten years since he broke his neck and badly damaged vertebrae in a horrific car crash, leaving him with no mobility below and severely restricted arm movements.

He starred in a training and promotional video filmed at the centre this week by Rex Bionics to help showcase the innovative product worldwide.

“I’m always open to the possibility of new things, so I was happy to be the guinea pig," he said. "When you’re sitting down all the time, it’s a refreshing change to be on eye level with people.

“I’ve used standing frames before to be able to move in this one felt really good,” added Mr Herridge who volunteers at Breckon Hill Primary School in Middlesbrough and is an employability teaching assistant at Stockton Riverside College.

Crispin Simon, Chief Executive of Rex Bionics which is based in New Zealand, said Rex could be used to help people do jobs that are too restrictive in a wheelchair as well as offering increased independence.

The invention will available to buy at a cost of £90,000 by individuals or from hospital trusts later this month, with the possibility of private sessions priced at an estimated £200.

“It is not true that Rex will offer the same functionality as before but, for the right person, it can offer a big increase in their quality of life,” he said.

“It lifts them gradually from their wheelchair and when they stand it’s emotional. One man who had been unable to walk for 20 years brought all his friends when he used Rex for the first time, one of them who’d known him for years said he hadn’t realised how tall he was.”

Pam Marley, senior physiotherapist in the spinal injuries unit, at James Cook University in Hospital, added: “It is a really impressive piece of kit and I’m sure certain patients would feel the psychological benefits of being able to stand and move in it.”