Checkouts colleague Ross from Lincoln North Hykeham loves his wheelchair basketball

Everyone at our Lincoln North Hykeham store is so proud of inspirational checkouts colleague Ross Watchus who's making a name for himself as a wheelchair basketball player.

Thirty-three-year-old Ross, who has cerebral palsy, has worked at the store since 2011 and has become a firm favourite with customers, who often chat to him about his sporting achievements.

Ross plays for Newark Jaguars and recently took part in the British Wheelchair Basketball League Play-offs in Manchester where his team won the Division Three Central title.

He said: "When I was in Year 10 or 11 at school I had a try at wheelchair basketball, then when I was 24 or 25 I decided to have another go, and I've been playing it ever since. I really love it and I train twice a week.

"I got my own sports chair after about two to three years using my own savings and it's bespoke so it fits me perfectly. My aim was to get into a team in the league, which I have done. I was so happy when they told me.

"I watched the Paralympics in 2012 and I actually cried throughout it. I dreamt that I could be one of those guys.

"I just want to get better in the sport. It is quite tiring until your muscles get used to it. I have had a wheelchair all my life, but I can walk with leg braces."

Ross, who lives with his parents Karen and Gerry, said: "They think it's great that I work in Asda and great that I play basketball. They like me doing it.

"At work, I have quite a few regulars who come to my checkout and they know all about my basketball and they are really happy that I'm doing it. It's a big superstore but it's very friendly. You can talk to anyone here. I love working in Asda where I'm in amongst people. It fits me well."

Dale Whitmore, the store's customer trading manager, said all his colleagues were proud of Ross.

He said: "Ross is a great colleague, he's always bubbly and smiling. He's a smashing lad and very independent.

"He's got his regular customers who will always go to his checkout when he's on as he's a bit of a character.

"We're all so proud of what he's achieved with his basketball. He's done really, really well."

And Paula Robinson, the store's community champion, said: "Well done Ross. Your colleagues and friends here at Asda North Hykeham are so proud of your achievements."