Paralysed people are walking again after scientists used electrical stimulation to regrow damaged nerves, with patients able to turn the treatment on via a smart watch.

Three paraplegics who sustained cervical spinal cord injuries many years ago are now able to walk with the aid of crutches, or a walker, after being fitted with a wireless implant which activates muscles when they think about moving.

Crucially the treatment works even when it is switched off, leading scientists to suspect that their nerves have grown back.

The patients have been given a smartwatch linked to the implant so they can keep up their rehabilitation even when away from the laboratory the hope that they will continue to improve over time.

All the patients had been paralysed for at least four years but the scientists believe that early treatment after an injury would be even more effective.