A FORMER Romsey man’s work with disabled people in Brazil has been recognised by the country’s government and the Lions International.

Paul Davies, pictured right, who moved to South America 20 years ago, has helped gain acceptance for the disabled in Rio de Janeiro’s famous carnival.

He established a samba school for disabled people and managed to persuade authorities to allow them to take part in the parades – a move unheard of before.

“I had always wanted to do something really productive in some sort of social project,”

said Paul, the son of John and June Davies of Romsey.

Paul, 53, an ex- Mountbatten School pupil, received the Lions International Humanitarian project award from the Rio branch and also an award from Rio’s mayor for his work with disabled people.

Paul’s initiative came in 2006 after he had problems with a hernia and he was unable to take part in Rio’s carnival.

He said: “I suddenly thought what must it be like for those with a disability that cannot go out in the parade. I decided then and there that I wanted to create a samba school for the disabled and their families and friends. In Brazil there are over 30 million disabled people and that’s a lot of people rejected by any society.”

In 2008 his disabled samba pupils paraded for the first time. This year Paul succeeded in gaining sponsorship for his dancers for the first time when Volkswagen backed their entry. This was the first time they had a float and proper costumes.

Their carnival entry of 1,800 people included, wheelchair users, deaf, blind, and people with Down’s syndrome.

“Our goal now is to appear in the Paralympics Games in London in 2012,” said Paul.