An actor seriously injured in the Shrewsbury explosion has been told he will never walk again.

Kiley McDonnell suffered serious injuries in the blast and family and friends have today confirmed he will spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair.

It comes as the date for a benefit show to raise funds for the actor, who was playing Jovial Jake in the Theatre Severn Peter Pan pantomime at the time of the blast, has been set for October 17.

Portia McDonald, his sister, today confirmed her brother will never be able to walk again. Eric Smith, a BBC Radio Shropshire presenter and pantomime co-star, said: “It is terrible news and my thoughts are with Kiley at this time.

“For a young 32-year-old singer, dancer and entertainer it is just devastating to hear. I will do what I can to help with the benefit show and am looking forward to more details being released.”

Mr McDonnell, of Chapel, Road, Bexleyheath, West London, was left with serious spinal injuries following the blast on January 3, with his family saying both his lungs had collapsed, damage was caused to his liver and his spine severed.

John Spillers, who runs Spillers Pantomimes Ltd based in Chislehurst in Kent, which put on the pantomime, expressed his sadness at the news.

He added: “I have heard the news and I am very sorry for him and his family.

“The benefit show will be held on October 17 at Theatre Severn and I am looking forward to this event now to make sure we give Kiley a night to remember.

“I am sure it will be very emotional. I keep in touch with all the panto guys and girls and I know they will be willing to help out and make it a show to remember.”

Theatre Severn manager Peter Nicholson added: “I have spoken with some of the pantomime stars and they have told me the news.

“Our thoughts go out to Kiley and his family in light of this terrible news.”

Dean Winters, who played Smee in the Peter Pan panto and is helping to organise the benefit show, said he hoped a number of television stars would be involved.

“We are organising a big variety show in his honour with lots of acts from all over the UK including TV stars,” he said. “The confirmed line-up is to be announced and we hope that Shropshire will support us in this venture.”

By Andrew Morris