BLIND skier Steve Macdonald takes on the world's most challenging slopes at 60mph - and now he's been picked for the British team.

Now, as a member of the British Adaptive Ski Team's development squad, he will be preparing to compete in international competitions, including the paralympics.

Visually-impaired skiers ski behind the guide.

On the fastest stretch of a downhill slope he would reach top speeds of around 60mph.

The pair communicates via radio and the distance between the two is up to 10ft.

"It really is a team effort," said Steve, of Arboretum Road, Worcester.

As well as taking part in competitions like next year's British Nationals and the Europa Cup Series, the 33-year-old has his attentions focused on major international events.

He said: "I want to go to the World Winter Games in 2008 and then Vancouver for the Winter Paralympics in 2010."

Mr Macdonald began skiing in the late 1980s while a pupil at Worcester's Royal National Institute for the Blind College, Whittington Road.

He said: "The school encourages people to lead a normal life and it offers, alongside a good education, very good sporting facilities."

He was spotted while skiing in Italy, in March this year, and was subsequently asked to try out for the team, which he did at an indoor ski centre in Castleford, near Leeds, in May.

He also had to complete a two-page profile of himself and prove that he was committed to the team and to disabled ski racing.

In September, he is due to begin an occupational therapy degree at Oxford Brookes University.

His training regime will involve one ski session per week at either of the dry ski slopes in Castleford or Gloucester, gym sessions and road running.

Now Steve is appealing for sponsorship from local businesses.

He needs help covering his own costs, such as buying equipment and travelling, as well as his guide's costs.

Anyone who wishes to sponsor him can e-mail steve.macdonald

@hotmail.co.uk