Liam Lyons, who at only 15 months old has already had to undergo three life-saving operations, was guest of honour at his parents' wedding at the weekend.

The Darlington tot performed his duties as star guest admirably, according to his mother, Joanne, even if he did fall asleep in the garden at intervals during the day.

Liam can look forward to going on his parents' honeymoon as soon as he has had a final operation to close a hole in his heart.

"He really enjoyed the day and was spoilt rotten," said Mrs Lyons, who married her husband, Jason, at Northlands Road Methodist Church, in Darlington, on Saturday.

"He ate most of his aunt's egg and cress sandwiches and managed to get his nice white clothes filthy black by the end of the day, so we think he enjoyed himself."

Liam, who lives with his family on the Red Hall Estate, is recovering well after shedding a permanent breathing aid after an operation on his lungs last month.

He had two other operations to help his breathing in the first six months of his life.

Mr and Mrs Lyons are hopeful he will have his heart operation in the next two months.