A BOY'S brave battle to overcome a handicap that has prevented him from walking properly could soon be over, as he prepares for a second operation.

Since he was born, 10-year-old Callum Bolton's parents, Rosemary and Andrew, of Ryley Avenue, Deane, never expected him to walk with ease because of a rare bone condition that left him shuffling along on the side of his feet.

The condition, called Frontonasal Dysplasia, left Callum with feet shaped like hands, and problems with his hearing and sight.

He is now partially deaf but chooses not wear a hearing aid and lip reads instead. He can see with the aid of glasses.

Callum's first make-or-break operation took place at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital at Booth Hall in February, where the big toe on his left foot was lengthened by pioneering treatment which stretched the bones.

Pins were inserted into Callum's foot and kept in place with a metal frame which he had to wear for four months.

Screws attached to them had to be turned every day to stretch the bone. Mr and Mrs Bolton were told this was a once-in-a-lifetime operation that would be necessary to correct the condition.

And now the same operation is planned for his right foot on December 12 then hopefully, Callum will be able to walk on the soles of both his feet. Mrs Bolton said: "He's a little apprehensive about going back into hospital and having the operation done, but he really wants to have it done and be back on his feet before he starts Mount St Joseph School in September."