An airline pilot from Devon was left in a coma after a motorbike crash in Spain.

Neil Cawse, aged 34, was riding through Tibidabo in Catalonia with two friends when he lost control of his Kawasaki Ninja bike on a bend.

He was airlifted to hospital where fluid was removed from his lungs and he was treated for internal bleeding, broken ribs, severe bruising and a fractured spine, reports plymouthherald .

Neil in his job as an airline pilot
Neil in his job as an airline pilot

He regained consciousness three days after the crash last week and is now facing further surgery.

Speaking from hospital in Barcelona Neil said: “I'm feeling lucky that I'll be able to walk again.

“I am honoured to have amazing friends, family and a girlfriend who hasn't left my side in eight days, and very privileged to work for such an understanding company that has given me all the time off I need to recover.”

Neil is the son of Phil Cawse, former landlord of the Nowhere Inn in Plymouth who died suddenly on May 30 after a short fight against cancer.

The 61-year-old was a hugely popular character on Plymouth’s music scene.

Neil said the family has been through a “difficult six months”.