A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy who had an operation to treat his epilepsy cancelled twice has died.

Peter Buckle, whose operation had been rescheduled for next month, died on Monday after he had an epileptic fit while he slept.

People in Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, are in mourning for the popular youngster, who was also diabetic.

Peter had been due to undergo an operation to treat his epilepsy on April 22 at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London.

However, it was cancelled the day before the family had been due to travel down and rescheduled for June 10.

It was the second time the operation had been delayed.

His parents, Peter, 39, and Judith, 42, last night paid tribute to their son, whom they described as a caring, loving child who got on with everyone he met.

Mrs Buckle said: "When the operation got cancelled, we were gutted to say the least, but it went to another little boy as there was an infection on the ward.

"These things happen, although we will never know if he would still be here -that is always going to be hanging over our heads.

"But there is no point being angry, Peter was not an angry little boy."

She thanked friends and neighbours for the care and support they had shown.

She said: "When his operation was cancelled for the second time, the whole village seemed to come out in mourning; there were people cuddling us in the street. It's the people in the village who have got us through this, they have been great."

His parents recalled how Peter loved animals, drawing and writing and wanted to be a farmer or a firefighter when he grew up.

Although he was unable to eat sweets because of his diabetes, whenever he got pocket money, he would buy chocolate bars and give them to his friends and carers.

Mr Buckle said: "He always had a smile on his face. Despite his illness, he was always happy and never let it get him down."

Julie Dickinson, the acting headteacher of Peter's school, Warwick Road, in Bishop Auckland, said: "Peter loved coming to school and enjoyed working. All the staff and the pupils have been very upset."

A spokesman for Great Ormond Street Hospital said: "At the moment, the case is in the hands of the coroner and so we cannot make any comment.

"However, we do offer our deepest sympathies to the family and are happy to assist with any investigations that might be necessary, and we will stay in touch with the family."

Mr and Mrs Buckle also praised the work of Dr Bill Lamb at Bishop Auckland General Hospital, and although flowers are welcome, donations can be made to his children's diabetes unit.

Peter's funeral will take place at 1.30pm on Wednesday at St Paul's Church, Evenwood.

People are requested not to wear black.