AN inspirational war veteran and Invictus Games medalist is to take on his next challenge - the 24 hour Le Mans race.

Ash Hall has been announced as the newest member of Team BRIT, a motor-racing team for disabled drivers.

Mr Hall, from Colchester, served in the Royal Engineers from 2007 until 2017.

However, while he was serving in Afghanistan in 2010, he was hit by an improvised explosive device.

His injuries were so severe, he lost both his legs and had to undergo more than 80 operations before he was able to walk again on prosthetic limbs.

Last month, Mr Hall, 27, scooped a silver medal after competing in a wheelchair rugby tournament at the Invictus Games in Toronto representing Great Britain.

He also holds the Guinness World Record for the longest distance travelled in 24 hours using a go-kart with hand controls.

His next venture is to be part of the first all-disabled team which is planning to take on the 24 hour Le Mans race in 2020.

He will be a member of Team Brit, a branch of the charity KartForce which aims to inspire disabled people and injured military personnel to compete at the highest level.

Earlier this month, Mr Hall took part in an assessment rookie day testing his driving skills and ability.

After passing the tests, he will now join the team in their last two races in preparation for Le Mans.

Ash said: “I’m really excited to be a part of the team and part of the journey towards Le Mans.

“I think what the team is trying to achieve is pretty remarkable.

“To take part in what is widely regarded by most racing drivers as the toughest race in the world is a big enough challenge in itself.

“To do it and then add on the fact that every driver in that team will have their own unique challenges to face due to their differing injuries is truly incredible.”

Mr Hall has previously been involved with similar motorsports organisations but none could offer him the chance to get his race licence and be offered the opportunity to race competitively in the way that Team BRIT can.

The car he drives has been specially developed with the highly advanced hand control technology to allow him to compete on equal terms with able-bodied competitors.

The controls in the car will be specially adapted for each driver in the team allowing drivers with varying disabilities, like Mr Hall as a double leg amputee and his teammate Olivia Jackson, who has one arm, to race as part of the same team.

Team BRIT are training for Le Mans 2020 and will be taking on Silverstone later this month.