A SUPERMARKET driver hopes to delivered bags of talent after being called up to represent Great Britain for this year’s Paralympic Games.

Matt Crossen, who works as a delivery driver for Darlington’s largest Asda store, had a stroke aged 23, which left him with limited mobility and no sensation on his left side.

However two years of gruelling rehabilitation and unwavering determination has seen Mr Crossen scouted to join Team GB’s seven-aside football squad in Rio.

The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will take the 25-year-old Asda colleague 6,000 miles away from his workplace, off Whinbush Way, Darlington.

Mr Crossen said: “I can’t honestly believe it, especially after everything that has happened, but this is true once in a lifetime opportunity – it still hasn’t quite sunk in.

“Whether we win gold or come back with nothing, just taking part is massive. It’s to have so many well-wishers here at work, both colleagues and customers on the delivery route.

“If we win, I’ll be wearing my medal when I get back to the day job.”

Training for the tournament in Brazil’s Deodoro stadium has seen Mr Crossen granted two months of leave by the Asda store manager, to boost Team GB’s chances of reaching the final.

Mr Crossen’s manager, Dean Holliday, said: “Matt is a great bloke and a real inspiration to anyone, so we are all really proud of him and his achievement.

“While he will be missed from his shifts at the store on home delivery, everyone here at Asda Darlington is right behind him and are hoping his team can bring back a medal. Good luck, Matt.”