A LITTLE boy with cerebral palsy is over the moon thanks to vintage car enthusiast Bob Edwards.

For Bob raised more than £1,000 by driving his 1936 Austin Seven Ruby from John O'Groats to Lands End.

Martin and Rachel Houghton, both 24, of Peel Street, Clitheroe, were delighted as Bob has raised enough money to buy a specially designed car seat to help four-year-old Jake.

Jake was diagnosed when he was just 18 months old, and has difficulty walking and cannot stand unsupported.

The seat, which costs about £1,000, is mounted on a swivel foot. It is padded and can recline as well as sit up.

Bob Edwards, of West Bradford Road, Waddington, goes to the same church as the Houghton family, St James CE Church in Clitheroe, and decided to help out. He took part in the 872 mile trip on Easter Saturday, with about 100 other Austin Sevens.

Rachel said: "Bob finished the trip and he made it to Lands End on Easter Monday at about 9.30pm, which is brilliant. He's raised more than £1, 000 from sponsorship and he took buckets round with him as well so we're not sure of the total yet. We're waiting for him to get back so we can thank him in person. "It means we'll be able to get the car seat for Jake which is excellent news. We're hoping to go to Wales for our holidays this year, and the car seat will make a big difference for him on such a long journey.

"Jake is a very tall lad and it's difficult to get him in and out of the car, but with the seat we can swivel him in to the car and he'll be a lot more comfortable.

"We're really pleased and we can't thank Bob enough. It's really great what he's done for us."

Any surplus cash will be used to buy a computer for Jake as he finds it hard writing and drawing, but finds it easier to use a keyboard and mouse.

Jake, who goes to Ribblesdale Nursery, has physiotherapy at Clitheroe Hospital and also travels to Blackburn and Manchester for treatment, so spends a lot of time in the car.

Martin, who is head chef at the Duke of York Hotel in Grindleton, explained that he can't claim mobility allowance from the DLA for Jake until he's five years old. He said the law has changed which means he won't be able to apply for the allowance for a people carrier with a ramp at the back, until April 2001.