BABY Conor Taylor is the toast of regulars at an Astley village pub.

Five-and-a-half months old Conor, from Tyldesley, has the rare condition phenylketonuria (PKU), which would have caused brain-damage if it hadn't been discovered at an early stage.

Thankfully a blood sample taken during his second week of life enabled experts to guide Conor to a healthy future.

That simple heel prick proved vital.

Devoted mum Sharon said: "It was just a test that all babies have done. There are only 60-70 PKU sufferers in the UK.

"Now Conor has to stick to a very low protein vegan diet without pulses and needs three exchanges of protein. It is a life-long thing, we just count our blessings it was discovered so early."

Sharon and husband Jonathan now understand more than anyone else the importance of that taken-for-granted heel prick by the health visitor.

When Ross's Arms regulars and hosts Peter and Joan Dodd heard of Conor's experiences they devoted their energies to backing the advanced technology which enables Royal Manchester Children's Hospital experts to diagnose such disorders.

A team of fundraisers cycled from the Ross's Arms in Astley Green to Southport and back to boost a £300,000 screen appeal at the Pendlebury hospital. And other functions realised a total of £1,000.

The Taylors are now urging others to support the hospital appeal to help more new-borns.

And they're devising a special menu for Conor at their favourite restaurant.

Pictured: Baby Connor cradled by Joan Dodd with sister Emma and mum and dad Sharon and Jonathan.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.