Maryport Paralympian Simon Lawson is off to Rio this summer to compete.

Simon, 34, was told this morning that he has been selected to compete in the marathon on September 18.

He said he was relieved and excited.

He missed out on the London Paralympics because of illness.

"I am staying away from anyone with any bugs until I go," he said.

He said he was still looking at all his options.

"I could go and stay in a training camp for two weeks before my event. I am looking at that but there might be some advantages to staying here and training.

"The marathon is the last event of the games so it is a long time to wait."

The Paralympic squad is chosen from athletes considered to have medal potential.

He added: "I would love to come back with a medal but my aim is to try and push the best I can."

Simon was paralysed in a motorbike accident in 2001 but only started serious training as an athlete in 2010.

He started looking at racing as a way to get out of the house and get fit.

He has became a familiar sight to motorists on the A596 between Maryport and Workington as he powers along in his racing wheelchair.

He added: "I still use that road. These days I have other routes, too, up hills and flats. I spend a lot of time in the gym at the Sand Centre in Carlisle to build up my strength.

"My coach is in Middlesbrough so I also spend time there."

Now he is waiting to be fitted out with his British Paralympian uniform and to prepare to be Maryport's medal hopeful.

Recently a group of Maryport people raised over £2,000 to help Simon on the road to Rio.