AN appeal set up in aid of a former jockey who was seriously injured in a fall, has received a £150,000 boost.

The Scott Taylor appeal was set up to pay for the long term needs and day to day care of Scott Taylor, from Fishburn, County Durham.

Mr Taylor, a popular northern jump jockey, was left paralysed following a fall at Perth Racecourse in August last year.

The fund which bears his name has now received £150,000, raised by the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF).

A cheque will be received on behalf of Mr Taylor, 28, by his close friend and former weighing room colleague Tony Dobbin, at Doncaster Racecourse today.

Elaine Wiles, of the IJF, which looks after more than 800 former jockeys, said: "We have been touched by the number of people who have kindly donated to Scott's appeal. This money raised will go some way to giving him a better quality of life.

"Whatever the future holds for Scott, we will always be there to help and support him."

Mr Taylor returned home last month after spending nearly a year in hospital.

He suffered serious head injuries as a result of his accident, including damage to the core of his brain.

He was also left unable to walk and talk, but his speech has gradually improved and he can walk with support. Thousands of pounds have been raised all over the country.

Last November, The Northern Echo pledged to support the fundraising, and sponsored a race at Catterick Racecourse.

The Northern Echo Scott Taylor Appeal National Hunt Novices Handicap Hurdle Race raised £500 to help Mr Taylor