LYDNEY Paralympic potential runner Andy Lewis had a taste of what it would be like to perform at an Olympic stadium on Sunday.

As part of the anniversary of the Olympic Games last year, Andy was one of 12,500 people selected across the country by the National Lottery to run five miles.

Andy said: "I was selected to run the circuit and the atmosphere was amazing running on the track watched by 12,000 people. I have also been selected to participate in a Paralympic programme and now concentrate my dream of becoming a Paralympian.

"I have a very long way to go yet after coming back from injury a few weeks ago when I tore a ligament in my ankle. I have been bought back to 90 percent fitness with the hard work and dedication of Fliss Howes, a sports therapist in Lydney, who along with Club Ginger is sponsoring me."

Andy who had one of his legs amputated in 2005 following an ongoing injury from a motorbike accident, received a blade at the beginning of the year. "My blade is wonderful and unique as I had my leg amputated through the knee. The last 300m of the track as I entered the stadium was electric as the crowd cheered me on to the finish line. It is something that I will not forget," he adds.

The day marks the final stage of the gruelling process Andy has undertaken to work towards his goal of representing Team GB at the Paralympics.

"I currently attend Bath University where they train other Paralympians and also at Bristol Academy where I am coached. For the last few months, I have been part of a selection programme for the Paralympics in which I am awaiting to see if I have been successful.

"It was just wonderful to be a part of a day where there were people from all walks of life that have one dream," he said.