A Kent Superbike champion who crashed during a test session and sustained a number of injuries including fractures to his back is "alert and in good spirits" after an operation.

Shane 'Shakey' Byrne, who is from the Isle of Sheppey, had spent the weekend in intensive care after crashing his bike at he session in Norfolk last Thursday.

The incident happened as teams prepared for the Bennetts Superbike Championship.

He was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital after the crash at Snetterton, after briefly losing consciousness.

Today his family released a statement on his progress.

It said: "Shane is alert and in good spirits, but there is still a long road ahead in the recovery process.

"He will remain under close observation in the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Critical Care Complex for the next few days before undergoing further treatment."

An earlier update on the athlete's condition was posted on the championship's Twitter page, when a spokesman said he was being monitored for a variety of injuries.

The update said a surgical procedure would need to be done to stabilise his spinal fractures, and that he would have treatment for other injuries after that.

He was taken to the hospital after the crash at Snetterton, after briefly losing consciousness.

His partner, Petra Byrne, updated her instagram followers yesterday evening on his progress.

She posted this picture of herself by her husband's side at the hospital where he is being treated.

She said: "First time I smiled since Thursday.

"Operation went well and spine is safe.

"Now to concentrate on long recovery and fix broken neck and breast bone, and pretty much all his ribs.

"He is expected to have painful few days.

"Thank you for all the messages."