A rugby player who suffered a serious neck injury nearly a year ago has returned home from hospital.

Tamara Johnson, the Bath Rugby Ladies player who broke her neck while playing against Saracens in February 2008, finally left a specialist spinal unit in Salisbury last week.

She had been at Odstock Hospital since March, when she was transferred to the unit which specialises in caring for people who have spinal cord injuries.

The 26-year-old has been making slow but steady recovery since the fall and has experienced increasing movement all over her body.

Bath Rugby Ladies head coach Jimmy Deane has been a regular visitor at the unit, along with many of her team mates and family.

Mr Deane said the transfer would be an emotional one for Tamara.

On the Bath Rugby website he said: "Tamara realises that the next few weeks will not only be exciting but daunting.

"This will also coincide with the first anniversary of her injury.

"The continued courage and determination she has shown is quite extraordinary, and everyone around her will be on hand to offer her any support she requires."

Since the accident, support has flooded in for Tamara across the country.

Thousands of pounds have been donated over the past year to a trust fund, which was set up by the club.