A social worker who was left unable to walk without crutches after she was hit by a car has made a remarkable recovery.

Susan Mukengezi, 49, was left with a fractured spine after she was mowed down by a car near home in Barnet at the beginning of this year.

But after some hard work and dedication, Ms Mukengezi is now mobile again - all thanks to the power of water.

Despite having never learned to swim, the mother-of-one was convinced by her neighbour Gul Kizrak to try out an Aqua Zumba club at The Venue in Borehamwood.

Ms Mukengezi, who was sometimes spending five sessions a day in the pool, said: "It took a lot of convincing for me. In that first class, Gul, who was my class instructor, told me to stay at the front – the pool tilts so that at the front it’s 1.1 metres and at the back it’s 1.3m.

"When I went for the first class I walked in with crutches and managed to get myself in the swimming pool, but I couldn’t get out.

"Within three weeks, I wasn’t using crutches and I was able to limp. I didn’t know water could do so much for somebody."

Since joining Hertsmere Borough Council's We Moves She Moves programme for women and girls, which includes Aqua Zumba, Ms Mukengezi has lost more than 17kg and is now almost pain-free.

She added: "I have had a second lease of life. It makes me feel good."

Councillor Caroline Clapper, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and health, said: "Susan’s is a remarkable story of how a terrible incident can actually lead to some positive life changes.

"She is an inspiration to anyone who is struggling with any kind of condition, whether short or long-term.

"The benefits of exercise to your health and wellbeing, both physical and mental, are well-documented, but Susan is a living, breathing, walking example.

"I hope more women take the opportunity to try one of the many classes we offer through We Move, She Moves."

Aqua Zumba classes are held at The Venue, Elstree Way from 7.30pm until 8.30pm on Tuesdays and at the Furzefield Leisure Centre in Potters Bar from 9.30am until 10.30am on Thursdays, term-time only.

Visit www.wemoveshemoves.me.uk for more information