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A Chichester fencing coach, whose career as a police officer was ended after an accident in the line of duty nearly 25 years ago, has completed a 100 mile wheelchair challenge for charity.

Wheelchair fencer Viv Mills, 66, is a former international athlete turned Chichester Fencing Club coach.

For 26 years, the Boxgrove resident was also a Chichester-based police superintendent but that career ended abruptly after an attempted arrest went badly wrong in 1997.

"I answered an alarm call and was trying to arrest a potential burglar," Viv said. "Whilst I was trying to climb through a first floor window, I took a blow to the top of the head and fell backwards out the window and crushed my spine."

Wheelchair fencer Viv Mills, 66, is a former international athlete and police superintendent

After a seven-month stay in hospital, Viv had to learn to walk again and, following major surgery in 2012, now heavily relies on a wheelchair for mobility.

Viv added: "It was really difficult [when my police career ended].

"Normally, you know you're retiring and you can work up to it. You can prepare mentally and get something lined up and sort finances out.

Former Chichester police officer rediscovers passion for sport after horror accident in line of duty - and is now inspiring disabled children