A BOY who has battled against the odds for most of his short life has inspired the launch of a charity supporting disabled children.

Two weeks after he was born, Jake Howes, of Frosterley, in Weardale, County Durham, contracted an encephalaptic virus, which left him with seemingly insurmountable problems.

Suffering from cerebral palsy and scoliosis, and registered blind, he is unable to hold himself upright or control his arms and legs.

Yet the happy three-year-old is the youngest pupil at Murphy Crescent Special School, in Bishop Auckland, which he attends part time.

And he has shown such determination and courage that he has been now been offered a full-time nursery place in September.

The school recently gave his parents, Helen Blackburn and Alistair Howes, a book recording Jake's achievements, and the couple have a great belief that their son will go on confounding medical opinion.

They launched the charity Independence 4 DisAbility to raise awareness of children such as Jake and to raise money for all disabled children in Weardale.

Eventually, they hope to set up a respite centre for families like them, who need a huge amount of support.

Mr Howes said: "Jake is a fighter and he deserves the best."

Conservationist Dr David Bellamy is among a host of people getting behind the charity.

Frosterley Brownies are arranging a fundraising fashion show, the charity's chairman Dave Ayre and friend Jim French are donating a third of the proceeds of their annual UCATT bike ride, and a sponsored wheelchair push is planned through Weardale on July 4.

In a cruel twist, about the time Jake was born, their older son, James, now six, was diagnosed with a form of autism, which means he, too, will need a place at the school.

Anyone wanting to help is asked to contact Ms Blackburn on (01388) 526862.