A huge breakthrough in the treatment of devastating spinal injuries.

Researchers from London and Poland have used olfactory cells from the nose to provide a "bridge" to reconnect severed stumps in the spinal cord.

The procedure has been carried out on Bulgarian patient whose spine was severed in 2010.

He has now regained some bladder and bowel control, some sexual function, some sensation and motor neuron function - and has limited ability to walk.

The researchers caution the result needs to be confirmed, and that could take up to five years.