Local tributes have been paid to Olympic showjumper Tim Stockdale.

The 54-year-old died yesterday following a short battle with cancer.

He had been a strong supporter of the Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry following his time spent at the Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries after falling from a horse in 2011.

Mr Stockdale praised staff for their care after he broke his neck.

Paying tribute, Rebecca Warren, ward manager, said: “All of the team on MCSI are devastated to hear the news of Tim’s death.

"He was an incredible person and an inspiration to so many for what he achieved, particularly those of us who enjoy horse riding.

“All of our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.”

During his riding career, Mr Stockdale has many wins, including winning the King George V Gold Cup at Hickstead in 2010. He also competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, just missing out on a medal in the team event, and rode for GB more than 50 times in the Nations Cup. Championships in 2009.

His leaves his wife Laura, and sons Joe and Mark.