North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson is in hospital with a back injury after falling from his horse while out riding.

He is being treated at Gobowen's Orthopaedic Hospital – in the same wards he and his wife Rose have in the past raised money for.

Mr Paterson, speaking to the Advertizer from his hospital bed this morning, said: "I'm feeling pretty sore, to be honest.

"I fell off my horse while out riding and have broken three vertebrae – and I was told I was lucky not to have suffered a more serious injury.

"I can't walk at the moment – I'm flat on my back and have been told to have complete bed rest."

Mr Paterson, who is an experienced rider, is in the Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital.

He and his wife Rose raised £60,000 for the unit when they took part in the tough Mongol Derby horse race.

"This is an exceptional place – the staff are professional and caring," he said.

Mr Paterson has his phone by his side and said he was continuing to work while in his hospital bed, and in constant contact with London.