THE family of a boy with special needs who faced a 12-mile taxi ride to nursery every day are celebrating after council officials agreed he could attend his village nursery.

Three-year-old Isaac Cain, of Lanchester, near Consett, has been diagnosed with global developmental delay, which means he has communication and learning problems.

Durham County Council decided his needs for individual tuition would be best met by sending him to The Grove nursery, Consett.

The daily taxi journey would have cost the taxpayer an estimated £1,700 a year in fares.

Isaac's parents wanted their son to go to the nursery attached to Lanchester School, where his brother, Jacob, seven, and sister Georgina, five, are pupils.

After his parents contacted The Northern Echo about their plight, the education authority has decided Isaac can attend the nursery in Lanchester.

Isaac's mother, Sarah Young, said: "I hope my victory will encourage other parents in similar positions to keep on fighting.

"If you are strong minded and know what your child needs, you can get it."

A spokesman for Durham County Council said: "Having looked at it we were convinced that the nursery can provide the level of support that is required. This fits in with the parental preference."