A LITTLE boy who touched the hearts of local people has lost his courageous fight for life.

Elliot Whyte was born with hydrocephalus -- fluid on the brain -- and cerebral palsy, and spurred people to raise hundreds of pounds for a special light room at his home in Trentham Avenue, Farnworth.

During his short life Elliot, who would have been six next month, endured 14 operations and almost died several times.

But on Sunday the Greenfold School pupil passed away in Pendlebury Children's Hospital surrounded by his family after developing breathing problems following an operation.

Elliot was a familiar figure to everyone around his home, where he lived with his parents, Jason and Hillary, sister Rachel, aged 10, and brothers Daryl, aged 13 and 18-months-old Jensen.

"All the kids used to stop and say hello," said Mrs Whyte.

Despite severe disabilities, which left him with little sight, unable to walk, talk or feed himself, his family says he enjoyed life, in particular swimming and music.

"Whenever he heard Geri Halliwell's 'It's Raining Men' he used to giggle," said Mr Whyte, who added that the little boy was also a fan of boy band Westlife and pan pipes music.

The light room at his home was a particular favourite, which he would use almost daily to help stimulate his eyesight.

"He enjoyed sitting in there and listening to his music. It would help calm him down."

Despite the severity of his health problems Mrs Whyte says Elliot's death was a shock.

"He will be missed very much," she said.

His parents paid tribute to his teachers at Greenfold School and all the nursing staff at the Royal Bolton Hospital and Pendlebury who cared for Elliot.

"All the staff on the intensive care unit were fantastic. We couldn't have asked for anything better," said Mrs Whyte.

Elliot's funeral has been arranged for Monday when a service at St John's Church, Farnworth, at 1.15pm will be followed by committal at Overdale Crematorium.

His family have asked for any donations in lieu of flowers to go to Pendlebury Hospital ICU or Greenfold School. Donations should be made via the Co-op Funeral Service, Farnworth.