Young Tom Hammond has a new set of wheels - thanks to hundreds of friends and a certain Mr and Mrs David Beckham.

Although the Tiptree 12-year-old has an undiagnosed muscular condition, he attends the village's Thurstable School where he takes part in all the national curriculum subjects, included physical education.

It was the school which stepped in when he was told he would have to wait until next year for a new upgraded wheelchair, costing more than £5,000.

Pupils organised a penny pot for small change, cake sales, and the sixth form made over £600 through a sponsored walk. A £1,000 donation came from the David and Victoria Beckham Children's Charity.