A FORMER marine who lost both his legs in an explosion is enjoying continued success as a sportsman.

Joe Townsend finished second in the British Paratriathlon competition, meaning he is now eligible for the European and World championships later this year.

Mr Townsend, 27, from Eastbourne, was wounded in 2008 after standing on an anti-tank mine which was buried just below ground.

He spent five weeks on a critical care ward and since then has helped inspire the current generation of wounded by showing there really is life after injury.

Mr Townsend has been supported by the charity Help for Heroes since he was first injured, enabling him to compete as an international athlete.

His goal is to take part in the Paralympic Games in Rio next year.

Head of Help for Heroes sports recovery, Martin Colclough, said: “Joe is a fantastic example of what wounded, injured and sick service men and women can do post injury, by using the power of adaptive sport throughout their recovery.”