A MAN injured in a motorbike accident in New Zealand is due to begin his journey home with his family tomorrow.

Noel Wilbourne, aged 21, of Risca, is due to arrive at Heathrow on Wednesday, after the community in his home town along with family friends raised £2,000 for a first class air ticket back to Britain.

Doctors in New Zealand had told the family Noel needed to fly first class for fear he could develop a deep vein thrombosis if he travelled economy class.

Noel suffered head and leg injuries in the accident in Auckland last month, but has made a speedy recovery from his injuries. His parents, Jackie and Norman, flew out to be with their only child, not knowing if he would be alive when they arrived.

But Noel's grandfather, Charles Wilbourne, of Monmouth, said his grandson would be brought by ambulance to the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, for assessment before being transferred to St Woolos Hospital. He is hopeful Noel will be discharged before Christmas.

"We are very grateful to the Argus for all their help and interest," he said.

He also thanked everyone who helped in the fundraising for his grandson.