FOR the third year in a row, Bridgwater wheelchair-tennis player Shaun Regan is to represent Great Britain in Sweden for the World Team Cup, equivalent to the Davis Cup.

Recently, Regan, of Broadlands Lane, Durleigh, returned from three tournaments in Florida and Louisiana, USA where he reached a singles and doubles final.

He was wearing specialised eyewear, supplied by Bridgwater-based Turner Optometrists to help with the strong light conditions and said: "They were fantastic and allowed me to see the ball clearly under the very strong sunlight".

Regan, who has been paralysed from the upper back down for 14 years following a road-traffic accident, is bidding to reach next year's Paralympics in Beijing.

He will be carrying on to the Czech and Paris Opens after the World Team Cup in a bid to increase his world ranking and improve his Paralympic chances.

Since he took up wheelchair-tennis two years ago, Regan has spent £15,000 in pursuit of his Paralympic goal. Now he is hoping that local companies will help him with sponsorship.

"My savings are running out and my aim is to raise between £5,000 and £10,000 to cover coaching, tournaments and travelling so that I can purse my dream of competing in Beijing," he said.

With many more tournaments planned, each costing around £500, he would be happy to talk to local businesses in a position to help him reach Beijing . He can be contacted on 07725-333352.