ANOTHER dream came true for young cancer sufferer Duane Jones at Christmas when he was whisked off to Lapland.

The 11-year-old, from Johnson Fold, Bolton, was treated to the trip with his mum Janice after two years of treatment at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital at Pendlebury and Christie's.

Duane is about to undergo a course of radiotherapy after two more tumours were found in his head and an operation after a tumour was found on his back.

The youngster is currently walking on crutches because, as part of his condition, the bones in his one of his knees have crumbled.

Duane's chemotherapy has now been stopped and he attends appointments at Pendlebury every Monday. He will be in Christie's for 10 days when the radiotherapy begins.

But the pair forgot all their troubles when they met Father Christmas, had a sleigh ride pulled by husky dogs and another one pulled by Father Christmas's reindeers.

It follows a dream family holiday to Florida where Duane got to swim with dolphins in September. Duane said: "When we flew into Lapland, it looked like a monopoly board with all the little yellow houses and snow below. My favourite part of the whole trip was the ride with the husky dogs."

Janice said: "It is an amazing place and is not just for kids; there were couples without children there!

Duane was first diagnosed with cancer two years ago when a mole on his head started to change shape. After its removal, doctors found it was malignant and had to operate.

At a regular check-up months later, Duane was told cancer had spread into his lymph nodes and travelled to his left lung. Duane's family are trying to organise a fund raising evening with a disco to raise money to send children from The Royal Manchester Children's Hospital at Pendlebury and Booth Hall Children's Hospital in Manchester to the Grand Canyon.

They are appealing for raffle prizes. If you can offer support, telephone Janice on 07732 899721.