A schoolboy who was inspired to enter a design competition after surviving a bike accident has emerged as a national prize-winner.

Liam Biles and his family gave their support to a charity that promotes wearing cycle helmets following the accident while on holiday.

The 11-year-old was cycling down a muddy hill in the New Forest in Hampshire last summer when his mountain bike flipped.

He was taken to hospital where nurses said his scratched and dented helmet had saved him from serious injury.

Liam, a paperboy with The Argus along with brother Daniel, 13, was suffered only bruising in the accident.

While in hospital, he was given an information pack on the Reading-based Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust (BHIT).

He filled out a series of questions as part of a competition and emerged as a runner-up in the BHIT's 2002 Helmet Watch contest.

Now, Liam, a Year 7 pupil at Eastbourne Technology College in Brodrick Road, has won another BHIT prize designing a futuristic bike.

His design, drawn in pencil with help from Daniel, includes laser spokes, inpenetrable inner tubes and hydraulic levers.

Liam's prize is a mountain bike.

His triumph coincides with the start of Brain Injury Awareness Week, an annual campaign by brain injury group Headway, aimed at raising awareness of the devastating effects of such injuries.

Liam's parents, Petre and John Biles, of Maywood Avenue, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, insist their sons always wear helmets when riding.

Mr Biles, 42, said: "I'm certain the helmet either saved Liam's life or certainly prevented him from sustaining a serious brain injury.

"His helmet was smashed in the accident and I hate to think what would have happened if that had been his head."

His family says the experience has underlined the importance of wearing cycle helmets even though some may be offended by their look.

Mrs Biles, 38, said: "A cycle helmet may not fashionable but they are lifesavers."

The BHIT says helmets can reduce the risk of a head injury by up to 85 per cent and the risk of brain injury by almost 90 per cent.