A man from Wrexham with cerebral palsy is looking to become a horse and carriage driving UK champion.

Sports-loving computer whizz, Matt Palamarczuk, 39, of Gresford, has been selected to compete in the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships this summer.

One of only three riders to be nominated for the national level, Mr Palamarczuk caught attention with his impressive performances in the regional heat qualifiers in April.

The qualifiers were held at the Cavalier Centre, Shropshire, where Mr Palamarczuk regularly trains.

Mr Palamarczuk, an admin assistant at Pendine Park care organisation in Wrexham, joined the world of horse and carriage driving just a few years ago.

His family, friends, and work colleagues at Pendine Park consider him to be a "real inspiration".

Mr Palamarczuk took up carriage driving at the Special Riding Centre at Llanfynydd.

Mr Palamarczuk said: "When they offered me the chance to do this I had no hesitation in saying yes and I’ve never regretted it.

"I love the sport.

"At first I trained with one of the centre’s instructors, John, who showed me all the basics. I was lucky enough to get to drive his own horse called Jack.

"Later they brought in my current trainer Ann Connolly who has been brilliant.

"I have learned so much from her and John.

"Also, the Cavalier Centre in Much Wenlock, Shropshire, has been amazing with me.

"I go there fortnightly and at weekends I train with Ann and her horse."

His preparation for the National Championships on July 12 includes additional sessions at the Home Farm, Backford, with Chester Driving Trials group.

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Mr Palamarczuk worked hard for a Bachelor of Science degree in estate management, securing him his current job.

He developed a passion for Boccia, a target ball game for athletes with disabilities impacting motor skills, after the 2012 Paralympic Games.

Looking into the future, Mr Palamarczuk said: "Depending on how well I do at the Nationals, I will hopefully be invited to go and train at the David Broom centre in Crick, near Chepstow.

"I think I need to attend more local and national events and get grading and comment from judges before I even entertain the Paralympics.

"But it is definitely on the horizon.

"I’d love to get that far in the sport.

"It would be a dream come true."

He also said: "I definitely owe a lot of thanks to Pendine owners Mario and Gill Kreft and also to the Pendine Park Training Academy Manager, Ann Serridge and the whole Academy team who have backed me throughout my training programme."

Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft MBE said: "Matt is a remarkable personality with an inner drive to succeed in whatever he does.

"If Manchester United players had his ratings they would be in the Champions League next season.

"We all offer him heartfelt congratulations and wish him the best for the next stage."

RDA carriage driving coach Giselle Lockett, of the Cavalier Centre, has high hopes for Mr Palamarczuk.

She advised him: "Well done and be proud of yourself, you’ve lots of time to develop but most of all enjoy enjoy enjoy!"