Don't do it!

Promising York rocker Martin Hall was left paralysed after a birthday prank went terribly wrong five years ago.

Martin jumped from Ouse Bridge, breaking his neck and spine in three places. He is now a quadraplegic.

The former lead guitarist with a successful York group, Suicidal Flowers, is setting up a band for disabled and able-bodied entertainers.

Today he issued a stark warning to bridge jumpers like the youth pictured here: "If you want to come and play in the band once you've done what I did, you're welcome.

"Please don't think it is a smart idea, it is stupid.

"There's God knows how much debris down there, enough to do you a serious injury.

"People have died doing that, before and since my accident."

Martin is rebuilding his life, heading back to the recording studio, saying: "Music is still what I want to do".

He and fellow Flowers member Chris Tinsley, who has progressive multiple sclerosis, want to assemble a new band of both disabled and able-bodied entertainers.

Martin said: "Music is still my thing, it's all I've ever wanted to do, and it's about time I did something musical again."

Once they are joined by other musicians, Chris and Martin plan to record an album of songs, but they say the style of the band will depend on the members in it.

Martin said: "But there's no limit to what we can do."

In recent years, Martin has tried to live life to the full, playing wheelchair rugby and touring Europe.

Chris, from Easingwold, worked with wheelchair users in Albania for Oxfam before the onset of his MS.

"Being disabled isn't the end of the world," he said.

Martin said the band will need cash to help any other disabled members get to and from rehearsals, and to hire equipment.

If you would like to get involved, or if you could offer the band sponsorship or financial help, ring Martin on 01904 674141, or Chris on 01347 824569.