Injured sports star Simon Jones had his recuperation boosted by a unique gift from his local paper.

The England cricketer had his dreams of a successful Ashes tour shattered when he damaged his knee on day one of the first Test in Australia.

The Llanelli Star quickly produced a special one-off front page in the form of a get well soon greeting. It was soon in the mail, heading down under.

Star editor Andy Pearson said: “It was the least we could do. Hopefully the gesture cheered up our local hero. We’ve certainly provided a much needed hint of cheer in a tour which quickly became very gloomy.”

The front page, headlined Simon: We’re proud of you!, carried greetings from fellow sports stars.

Fellow Glamorgan bowler Robert Croft said: “Keep your chin up. Everyone sends you get well wishes.”

And Llanelli and Wales rugby legend Phil Bennett said: “When I heard about the injury I was devastated. Simon is a great lad.”

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