MICHAEL Smith-Holland was only a teenager when he suffered from a stroke but five years on he is adjusting to life supported by stroke rehabilitation charity Back on Track.

It was while he when he was studying at sixth form, he was struck with the life-threatening condition, which has left the 22-year-old of Paxcroft Mead in Trowbridge, with communication difficulties and paralysis to some of his muscles.

He volunteers at the Wiltshire Scrap Store in Lacock, and is one of the stroke survivors to have taken part in a free photography course organised by Melksham based charity The Learning Curve run with Back on Track.

The group, who range from ages 18-65, were set the task of taking pictures in Devizes around different themes including light and exploration to help focus their minds.

On Wednesday, a private gallery of their work was shown at Melksham Fire Station and they were presented with certificates.

Bev Pace, a former occupational therapist, set up Back on Track three years ago and runs it from her home in Chippenham, with 14 volunteers who help people across the whole of the county, giving advice and information about life after a stroke and the side effects, as well as how to find a job.

Those supported by Back on Track, are also given the opportunity to take part in free courses such a cooking, which Kevin Eggleton, 33, of West Ashton Road in Trowbridge, took part in last year.

He had a stroke in 2013, which left him partially blind and as a result he lost his job which involved driving. Mr Eggleton was referred to the charity who have been helping him adjust to life ever since.

He said: “They are really good, it helps getting out and doing things, realising what you can and can’t do. They help out with different things and you’ve got a port of call if you need a hand.”

The photographs the group took will be on display to the public next week at The Learning Curve’s Melksham learning centre at Challeymead Business Park.