A TOP Army skier who lost the use of his arm in a motorbike accident has returned to the slopes to raise money for charity.

Staff Sergeant Steven Hutchinson competed in skiing events all over the world before the accident last June.

The 39-year-old, from Darlington, serves with 8 Transport Regiment, the Royal Logistics Corps, based in Catterick Village, North Yorkshire.

Staff Sgt Hutchinson lost all use of his right arm from the shoulder in the accident.

He said: "The first few months after the accident were really traumatic.

"But I kept positive and said to myself that I wasn't going to let it beat me."

Despite his injury, he was offered a job coaching the Army women's team and the men's regimental team in Austria. And earlier this year, he raised almost £1,400 in sponsorship by taking part in a 5km Nordic skiing challenge in Ruhpolding, Germany.

The money will go to the Villa Real Special School, in Consett, County Durham.

The soldier's 13-year-old son Ben attends the school.

Staff Sgt Hutchinson said: "At first I thought I wouldn't be able to do it. Then I thought I should give it a go and do it for charity."

Captain Ben Adams, 8 Transport Regiment adjutant, praised the soldier for his efforts, said: "We are extremely pleased, as I'm sure the school in Consett will be."

Staff Sgt Hutchinson was brought up near Barnard Castle, County Durham, and taught himself how to ski in the Teesdale hills.