A BOOK about brain injuries aimed at children has been backed by Top Gear star Richard Hammond.

Following the driver's serious brain injury after a high speed crash and the recent news of Formula One driver Michael Schumacher's brain injury after a skiing accident, the books have been launched in a bid t help youngsters understand them.

Mr Hammand said he was proud to lend his support to the publications, which include a parents' handbook and two children's books.

He said: "This is a wonderful, colourful way for families touched by brain injury to explore the issues they may face.”

The children's books are aimed at different ages and are designed to empower children, helping them understand the hidden effects of brain injury during their rehabilitation. They have also been designed to encourage empathy among all youngsters towards other children or siblings who may be living with a brain injury.

The books have been developed by The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury of which Mr Hammond is Vice President.

Thousands of children and their families are affected by acquired brain injury every year, whether it’s from falling off their bike, being knocked down or sometimes from simply banging their head.

The publications have been charitably funded and are available for order from thechildrenstrust.org.uk/books.