A young artist who was left tetraplegic in a teenage swimming accident has raised £2,000 for a spinal injuries charity by auctioning his paintings.

Diss Mercury: Diss artist Sam James with Andy Uttridge at the RST ball where he sold paintings as a thank to the charity. Picture: Rooprai Spinal TrustDiss artist Sam James with Andy Uttridge at the RST ball where he sold paintings as a thank to the charity. Picture: Rooprai Spinal Trust (Image: Rooprai Spinal Trust)

Sam James, 21, from Diss, auctioned one of his paintings for £1,000 the Rooprai Spinal Trust's (RST) annual ball only to see an unlucky second bidder pledge to match the amount if created him another artwork.

The former Diss High School pupil suffered a neck injury that led to paralysis in all four limbs in an accident in 2017 aged 19. His accident saw the community in Diss rally around to raise money to help his recovery.

MORE: Teenager Sam James' heartfelt thanks as community rallies round after swimming accidentRST sponsored his physiotherapy and Sam wanted to donate the artwork to help give back to the charity that had supported him.

The event raised £27,000 for the charity started in 2005 by Andy Uttridge and his partner Marrianne Rooprai who suffered life-changing injuries in a car accident in 2004.

Mr Uttridge said: "I think everyone was blown away by the painting and it was a definite high point of the evening."