Frank Shannon, 13, was left paralysed from the neck down after he fell while playing with his younger sister and friends at a council-run play scheme.

Frank told his mother, Julie, he was attempting a back flip, but landed awkwardly.

He was first taken to Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital, then transferred to Walton Neurological Centre.

He was later airlifted to the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, in Shropshire, where a spokeswoman described his condition as "satisfactory".

It will be several weeks before doctors can fully assess the damage to his neck.

No ban imposed

Frank, a pupil of the Dolphin Dance School in Liverpool, is currently unable to use his upper body but does have some limited feeling in his legs.

Liverpool City Council, which runs the play project at Mab Lane, Stockbridge Village, said an investigation was under way, although a blanket ban on bouncy castles had not been imposed.

"We regret any accident at playschemes and are upset that this young man has been injured," said a local authority spokesman.

"We understand that there were a small number of children using the inflatable when the accident happened but we are still investigating exactly what took place."

Warning to parents

The Health and Safety Executive was informed and is to carry out an investigation.

His family issued a warning to the parents of children using bouncy castles during the school holidays to supervise them closely to avoid similar accidents.

Frank's aunt, Sue Landfield, said: "I would like to warn other parents to keep a close eye on their children if they go on a bouncy castle.

"Close supervision is vital. If any child gets unruly or if they attempt anything silly they should be stopped.