WHEN Joe Hughes runs on to the football pitch, there is little sign of the illness that has blighted his life.

Since the age of four, he's been living with cystic fibrosis - a disease that can stunt growth, leave sufferers gasping for air and makes exercise almost impossible.

But Joe has also been given a gift that was passed on from his grandfather, an outside right for Newcastle United 40 years ago. Last season, nine-year-old Joe bagged 60 goals for his team - a feat that defies medical opinion.

His proud mother, Joy Hughes, of Meadow Drive, Chester-le-Street, said: "He got 60 goals last season and he's probably going to beat that this season. His hero is Alan Shearer and he's very much in that mould - an old-fashioned centre forward.

"Despite his cystic fibrosis though, the other players and coaches don't give him any special treatment. If he misses a chance, or plays badly, they'll have a go at him.

"But I don't think a professional club would ever take him on. He could be ill at any moment.

"He doesn't listen when we tell him he can't be a footballer, although it breaks our heart to tell him that. You can't stop someone who is so determined."

The Cestria Primary School youngster plays for the City of Durham Bees under-10 team, who had a great season last year.

Their star player does not want any special treatment, although at half-time he does need salt tablets, instead of oranges, and at home he has to have physiotherapy twice a day, and regular doses of antibiotics.

Joe's biggest fan is his grandfather, Gordon Hughes, who played for the Magpies between 1956 and 1963, and who stands on the touch-line to cheer on the youngster.

He is proud that Joe does not let his condition affect his enjoyment of football, or ability to play.

He said: "He is exceptional. He is a strong little lad, and good with either feet from in or outside the box.

"Joe is a smashing lad, who never lets cystic fibrosis get the better of him.