A Westhoughton youngster was due to fly to Florida today to swim with dolphins for the third time.

Adam Foulkes has made remarkable progress after each trip to Key Largo and his mum is confident that this two week session will prove the biggest help yet.

The 12-year-old, who was born with Down's Syndrome, benefits from the swimming sessions with the dolphins which help his concentration levels and listening skills.

Adam, of Molyneux Road, enjoyed a month's therapy earlier this year when he travelled to the States with his mum, Diana, seven-year-old brother Louis and sister, Kelli, aged 16.

Mum Diana noticed such a difference in her son after the trip this summer that she was determined to raise enough cash to take him for further treatment.

She remains confident he will be able to speak one day and since the previous trip has been thrilled at the changes in her son.

"He looks around and listens much more. In the past he just sat making noises, but now he listens to what people are saying to him and is able to make choices, even if it's over simple things.

"Everyone who knows him has noticed how much he improved after the last trip and I hope that him going back so soon afterwards will keep up the momentum," she said.

Diana has been amazed at the support of Westhoughton and Bolton people who have read about Adam in the BEN and organised fundraising activities to collect the cash to pay for the treatment.

Local comedian Trevor Wallis organised a fundraising cabaret night at Greenfields Club in Westhoughton on Friday at which Adam boogied the night away on the dance floor.

Diana added: "Friday night was just fabulous and the family loved it.

"Trevor Wallace was very kind to organise the event and it raised more £500 which was just the boost we needed before the trip."

The whole family is travelling to Key Largo with Adam as the therapists have offered them free accommodation.

Both Kelli and Louis will take part in special educational programmes which combine school work with helping out the youngsters taking part in the dolphin therapy.