A Kent SuperBike Champion who crashed during a practice session says he is thanking his lucky stars not to be paralysed.

Shane 'Shakey' Byrne from the Isle of Sheppey was practising for the Bennett Superbike Championship in Snetterton in Norfolk when the accident happened a week last Thursday.

Today he has posted an update on his condition from his hospital bed through social media.

He said: "I have bruised lungs, all of my ribs fractured, four broken vertebrae. I broke my neck in two places and I have a broken septum, collarbone and multiple other back fractures."

But said Mr Byrne: "Fortunately no paralysis which was a big, big bonus!"

He revealed that his surgeon on first seeing his X-rays said: "I don't know how on earth you are not paralysed!"

Mr Byrne has undergone a number of operations, which have all gone "very well."

He said he was feeling "pretty sore and beaten up" but had now started on the long road through rehab to recovery.

He thanked the race marshals, medics, team members, friends, fans and family for their support and especially "my amazing wife Petra."

He said: "She is my world, my everything and never stops being by my side while bringing up or children."

The racer is recovering in Norwich University Hospital.

Mr Byrne had been hoping to score a hat-trick in this year's championship, having taken the title in the previous two years.

As a six-time winner, he is the most successful rider in British Superbike Championship history, with no other competitor having won more than three titles.