A police officer who is recovering from an horrific accident has received a welcome surprise - coordinated from the other side of the world!

Cycling enthusiast Anthony Mattick, a Detective Sergeant with Dyfed Powys Police, was seriously injured when he was in collision with a heavy goods vehicle on the A40 while cycling home from work in Carmarthen.

He spent three weeks in the Heath Hospital, Cardiff, but is now recovering at home.

On Sunday, a group of friends surprised him by visiting him at home in Saundersfoot - armed with a brand new state-of-the-art bike. The gift was the spearheaded and co-ordinated by Anthony's childhood friend Julian Taylor from his home in Sydney, Australia. Close friends for about 35 years, Julian continually maintains contact and still having family in Carmarthen, visits most years.

"We have always kept in touch and whenever I visit Carmarthen over the years, Ant's is always one of the most welcoming individuals on my trips home," said Julian.

"Over the years, Anthony continues to amaze everyone with his charity work," he continued.

"When I heard that he'd got knocked off his bike, of course I was very concerned and felt helpless being so far away. I did some research and discovered that many of his colleagues had already raised substantial funds for the air ambulance which is a fantastic service and no doubt played a big part in saving Anthony's life."

"Having done so much for charities himself, I thought I'd do something for him for a change, so started my 'He got knocked down, we'll get him up again' campaign with the idea of getting him a posh new bike!

"I ploughed through all his contacts through social media and spoke with all the close friends I knew. Ian Mock played 'detective' identifying what bike Anthony was aspiring to and luckily, I tracked one down in a local bike shop in Pembrokeshire.

"The campaign drove donations from New Hedges to New Zealand!"

Anthony was too ill to be taken to the surprise so Mark (Mike's Bikes Haverfordwest) kindly delivered the bike, a full carbon Cube Agree Gtc, on a Sunday evening."

The evening was also shared by some of Anthony's good school friends, including Ian Mock, Rhod Gilbert (the comedian) and Andrew Skyrme.

"Some couldn't be there because of work commitments/holidays etc., but they were there in spirit."

A lovely card was also give with all the good will messages.

"We know he's got a great incentive to recover from his injuries and it's been a privilege arranging this for such a great friend. We all wish you well mate!" added Julian.

Anthony said: "I've been overwhelmed by all the well wishes, cards and gifts that people have given. It's hard to put into words, but sometimes it takes something to happen for you to realise how blessed you are in life to have such good friends and how thoughtful people are. Thank you doesn't even start to come close for what I've received since the accident and I'll always be indebted. True friends are for life and clearly in this current age distance is no barrier and Julian is testament to this."