FAMILY and friends of an Oxenholme teenager have thanked everyone who helped raise £12,500 for his hi-tech new wheelchair.

Football-loving Joshua Hunter is now the proud owner of a lightweight, carbon-fibre, motorised chair that promises to give him greater comfort and freedom.

Joshua was born prematurely with cerebral palsy and is reliant on his wheelchair as he cannot use his arms or legs.

On hand to help the Kendal College student celebrate the arrival of his new wheelchair was MP Tim Farron.

Family friend Simon Folks said Mr Farron was "very impressed at Joshua's political nous".

Mr Folks said the Hunter family were "overwhelmed by the generosity" of people who had given donations and raffle prizes.

He told the Gazette they thanked everyone they know for "true local kindness", adding: "This will greatly benefit Joshua in body posture and enable a much more interactive quality of life."