PEOPLE turned out in force to give their support to table tennis paralympian 18-year-old David Wetherill, who leaves for Beijing later this month.

Torpoint mayor John Crago joined crowds of well-wishers at the town library to see David and his montage of achievements, leading to his selection for Great Britain at the 2008 Paralympics.

Mr Crago said: 'David is currently number one for his disability class in Britain and has a current world ranking at number nine. His achievements are a credit to his school, family and himself, with his skill and determination.

'Without the numerous donations from various Torpoint clubs, choirs and charities, of which there are many representatives here tonight, he would have been unable to have travelled to the many essential qualifying games in Europe and the USA. I know David is very appreciative of their generosity.'

The Paralympics take place from September 5-17 and parents Paul and Liz Wetherill will be watching David's progress on television at home.

David suffers from a medical condition called Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia. This affects the growing ends of his bones and all his joints. He has undergone numerous operations and as a baby he had open heart surgery. In 2004 was fitted with a heart pacemaker.