A RAMSBOTTOM boy Matthew Topping who has struck gold, silver and bronze: at the age of three.

The youngster, who suffers from the growth-stunting condition achondroplasia, which was identified when he was just six months old and means that he will not grow to more than 4ft in adulthood, won the medals in the annual national Dwarf Games in Birmingham.

It was the third year that Matthew, who lives with his parents David and Ruth in Bolton Road North, had taken part in the event.

The family became a member of the Dwarf Association which put them in touch with others suffering the same condition.

Matthew beat competitors from Europe to win gold, silver and bronze in the under 5s frisbee throwing, ten metre dash and tennis ball throwing events respectively.