A 'BLADE runner' who was inspired by a Keighley club has won a coveted place on the British Paratriathlon talent squad.

Stuart Meikle only began training for triathlons last September, a month or so after running his first 10k on a blade.

Now he has his sights set on representing Team GB at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

It's been an incredible period in the life of the 42-year-old, who had his right leg amputated at the knee when he was just six months old due to complications following his birth.

"I've never let my disability stop me from achieving my goals," said Stuart, who has his own painting and decorating business.

"I played numerous sports as a child and when I got older began coaching both rugby and football.

"I've always been a keen mountain biker, but only really saw that as a hobby."

The inspiration for running came when Stuart took his children to Keighley & Craven Athletics Club training sessions, at University Academy Keighley.

"I went along to support the children and would walk around the track while they were training," he said.

"I began to think that maybe with the right prosthetic leg, I could do this. I'd continued with my mountain biking so was still in pretty good condition."

He was further inspired when he supported his family at the Great North Run.

After visiting a prosthetic hospital in Leeds and outlining his ambitions, he was supplied with the latest Steeper-blade running leg.

"It's unbelievable using the blade," said Stuart.

"I have a prosthetic leg for biking but I'd never previously known the sensation of running – it's amazing.

"I knew it would change my life, but quite how much I didn't realise."

Stuart's first 10k run was at York, and as he took part in more his times improved significantly.

He began triathlon training and soon afterwards was invited to a British Paratriathlon trial in Loughborough.

He was subsequently accepted onto the talent squad, to compete for a place at Tokyo.

Stuart attended a camp this month where he worked with the Paralympic talent development team to devise a programme.

"I'm absolutely astounded that I could have got this far so quickly," he said.

"I am delighted to have been accepted onto the talent squad, but there is a lot of hard work and training ahead."

Stuart says the support he has received from British Triathlon and Keighley & Craven Athletics Club, where he is coached in his running, has been "unbelievable".

And he pays special tribute to his family – he is married to Sarah, who is also a keen runner, and they have children Ellie, 14, Luke, 11, and Finley, four.

"My family has been my inspiration throughout and I'm just so thankful for its support," he said.

Stuart, who lives at Bingley, will compete for the first time as part of the talent squad at the British Paratriathlon Championships in July.

As part of his mission to represent Team GB at Tokyo, he is also raising funds and appealing to the public and business community for sponsorship.

"I am looking at focusing on training full-time to give me the best possible chance of achieving my goal," he said.

"I would be extremely grateful for any support people feel able to offer."

Stuart can be contacted via stuartmeikle.com or by twitter, @StuMeikletri, and donations can be made at gofundme.com/stuart-meikle-tokyo-2020.