LIKE many young boys, six-year-old Sam Johnson dreams of racing after criminals in a shiny police car.

But after contracting a rare eye disease, he has already undergone more operations than most adults.

As a reward for his bravery, Durham Police made his dream came true when they invited him as their special guest yesterday

A routine eye test at St Margaret's Infant School in Durham City last July gave the first indication than Sam, of Ferens Park, Durham, had a problem with his sight.

It revealed infection and inflammation in his left eye, and he was referred to Sunderland Eye Infirmary for further tests.

Doctors cited toxicara, a rare disease linked with dog and cat faeces, as the most probable cause, and despite the efforts of consultants at London's Moorfield Hospital, Sam lost his sight in the infected eye.

Since then, the condition has spread to his right eye, and he has undergone about ten operations to try to save it.

After the youngster's bravery came to the attention of Chief Inspector Tim Wilson, executive manager of the Durham Agency Against Crime, he decided to give Sam a treat.

Yesterday, the youngster visited Durham Polices headquarters, in Aykley Heads, Durham, with his mother, Annette, where he rode in a police car, sat on a motorcycle, and met a police dog.

He also received gifts, including toy police vehicles.

Mrs Johnson, who has two other children, said: "He's had a really rough time for a six-year-old and it was nice for him to have a day out away from it all.

"He plays out in the street and he's always dressing up as a policeman. He had a fabulous time."

Chief Insp Wilson said: "Despite being stricken by this disease, Sam remains a bright, cheerful and very active little boy."