A THREE-year-old youngster with cerebral palsy is set to travel in safety following the donation of more than £2,000 to buy a specialist car seat.

Anthony Gibson, from Colne has the neuromuscular condition which affects co-ordination and movement.

He also has epilepsy, autistic spectrum disorder and developmental delay. He is unable to sit safely and comfortably in the car without significant support and has outgrown his standard car seat.

The donation of the specialist car seat was made by Newlife Foundation for disabled children, working in partnership with retail giant Marks and Spencer.

Newlife is the UK’s largest charity provider of specialist equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illness.

Mum Emily Heaton said: "Anthony needs a specialist car seat that will recline so his head can’t slump forward, affecting his airway.

"When I am driving I quite often have to pull over to push his head back, which isn’t good on longer trips.

"For instance, his hospital appointments are ten and 50 miles away. Also, without the proper support he is in danger of developing further postural health issues.

"He doesn’t naturally sit on his bottom whilst he's not in supportive seating, but on the bottom of his back so I have to try to wedge him into place with a blanket.

"A specialist seat will not only have head and hip supports to keep him safe and comfortable, it will also have a swivel base to help get Anthony into the car more easily."

The recline feature of the equipment will also mean Anthony will be better positioned to recover from any seizures.

The family received the donation after Emily posted details of their plight on a disability support group Facebook page and advised to contact Newlife Foundation for disabled children.

Sheila Brown chief executive of Newlife Foundation, said: "Our partnership with M&S benefits hundreds of children and their families.

"It is very encouraging to see the efforts of M&S in helping to improve the lives of disabled and terminally ill children.

Newlife has helped provide £497,617 of equipment for 414 under-19s in Lancashire and is currently working with another 19 families in the county with equipment needs totalling £15,176.

For more information about its work visit newlifecharity.co.uk/lancashire.