A microchip implant that restores nerve functions has allowed a paralyzed man took to take his first steps in ten years, according to a French newspaper.

Paralyzed in a car accident, the patient now walks by pressing buttons on a walking frame that acts like a remote control for the chip, sending impulses through fine wires to stimulate his leg muscles.

Researchers say the ground-breaking operation, carried out by a team of British, Danish and Italian doctors, would only work for paraplegics whose muscles had remained alive despite damage to their nerves.

More details are available at www.news.com.