Paralysed rugby star Matt Hampson has achieved what he had never dared to hope – standing up and getting his legs moving again.

Thanks to a new machine, Matt, 23, can leave his wheelchair and use a physiotherapy frame that allows him to "stand", with the aid of helpers.

Medical staff described his progress as "remarkable".

Matt said: "It felt brilliant to be able to stand up normally and get my legs moving for the first time.

"It's just really nice to get my body into normal positions. I don't know if I'll be able to use it independently, but I never say never and I'll keep trying as hard as I can."

Matt, of Cold Overton, near Oakham, was left paralysed during a training session in 2005 when a scrum collapsed.

Doctors said he would spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair and never walk again.

The machine, which works like a cross-trainer, allowed the breakthrough. His feet are strapped into blocks and his physiotherapist moves the levers forwards and backwards, enabling his legs to move in tandem.

Ruth Obeten, Matt's physio since he left Stoke Mandeville Hospital, in Aylesbury, two years ago, said: "Matt has made remarkable progress to be able to do this so soon after his injury.

"Not many people could manage it. Matt has worked incredibly hard.

"He is so dedicated and gives everything in every physio session. I couldn't say when, or if, he'll be able to use the machine on his own, but you never know with Matt."

Matt said: "Some of the old boys, like Martin Johnson and Neil Back, have been a fantastic help to me.

"The boys at the Tigers played a massive part in my healing process. They helped me adopt the same mental approach to physiotherapy as an athlete would have.

"All the people around me have given me so much support since the accident that every day when I wake up, I'm determined to get better for them as well as myself.

"I want to repay them for all the time they have dedicated to me."

He is a patron of SpecialEffect, a charity which helps disabled children enjoy computer games.

He said: "Some aspects of my life are now better. It might sound odd, but I believe it.

"Being a professional sportsman meant I was very selfish. I looked after myself and thought about me all the time.

"Now, I'm fortunate enough to have a different approach and look at life differently.

"It's time for me to start to pay people back and help as many people as I possibly can."

A spokesman for SpecialEffect said: "Matt is heavily involved and we're delighted how much time he dedicates to us."

Tigers chief executive Peter Wheeler said: "People marvel at Matt's indomitable spirit and everyone at Leicester Tigers follows his progress with great interest. Any small development is something to be thankful for."