It is the brainchild of a disabled man from Hampshire.

And now the revolutionary new activity, devised single-handedly by 41-year-old Gary Byrne, is taking Hampshire by storm.

Wheelchair Laser Tag, which Gary describes as a cross between laser quest and paintball, was launched in September last year and has already proved a massive success at several pilot events across the county.

More than 200 people of all ages, genders and abilities have taken part during trial events in Fareham, Alton and Eastleigh, which have been backed by the likes of disabled Hampshire yachtsman, Geoff Holt.

Competitors are split into teams of four or more players and are each provided with a headband fitted with an infra-red receiver, which picks up on lasers fired from the guns of other players.

Wheelchair users are allowed to have a pusher if required and sports wheelchairs are also provided for use by able-bodied participants.

Gary’s unique idea will come to the Calshot Activities Centre on Saturday, March 26, for the final pilot session, before funding from Sport Hampshire dries up.

But Gary, from Gosport, who has spina bifida, is determined to keep the activity going beyond that, with capital funding from Hampshire County Council now in place.

“We certainly think there is the potential there to keep this going after March and ride on the wave of the 2012 Olympics.

“Sports Hampshire have been very helpful in giving me some funding to run the pilot events, but now it is about taking it to the next stage. We could easily take it into schools and to corporate events.

“There is certainly nothing out there on offer like this for disabled people in the UK and what’s more it includes everyone,” Gary added.

“We have had two families who competed in three of our events alongside their sons, which is something they were able to do for the first time ever.

“I am so pleased that this activity has been able to bring families together in that way.”

The final Wheelchair Laser Tag pilot event will take place at Calshot Activity Centre from 10am-6pm on Saturday, March 26.

Entry is free of charge.

For more information, contact Gary Byrne on 07576 012756 or email wheelchairlasertag@gmail.com