Friends of a man seriously injured in a motorbike accident have raised more than £1,000 for him and the centre where he was treated.

Electrician Sacha Worman, 30, of Parsonage Road, Henfield, suffered severe head injuries when he fell from his motorbike on the way home from a stoolball match in June.

He was airlifted to Worthing Hospital and later transferred to the head injury unit at Hurstwood Park Hospital, Haywards Heath.

Mr Worman was in intensive care for four weeks and is now making a slow recovery in the rehabilitation ward at Southlands Hospital, Shoreham.

His partner, Rachel Elliott, said: "It was touch and go for a little while but the staff at Hurstwood Park were fantastic. They brought all their skill and equipment into use and did a great job.

"Sacha can talk now and is able to move around a bit. He's come on a long way in a few weeks.

"Nursing staff are amazed at his recovery. It's thanks to Hurstwood that this has been possible. They do a brilliant job."

More than 20 of Sacha's friends took part in a sponsored cycle ride from Henfield, through Ashurst and Steyning and back.

Five years ago the Mid Sussex NHS Trust announced it was to close Hurstwood Park and move the head injury treatment facilities to London.

But more than 300,000 people signed an Argus petition to keep it open and the trust changed its mind.

Ms Elliott added: "I'm glad it's still here because it provides vital services for local people. It's nice to know that Sacha has so many good friends who are willing to help out in a time of need.

"We all wore T-shirts with the message 'Lick It' on them. It goes to show that any problem can be licked if you don't let it defeat you."

The Friends of Hurstwood Park are organising a Caribbean dance night on September 23 from 7.30pm to midnight at the David Lloyd Centre, Brighton Marina.

There is a £50 prize for the best West Indian costume. Tickets, including a buffet, are £15. Call Sue Gubbins on 01323 890879.