A LITTLE boy who continues to smile despite being diagnosed with a rare type of leukaemia is ready to face his years of treatment thanks to kind-hearted volunteers and students.

Five-year-old Leyton Anderson suffered with pain in his arms and legs in November 2015 before his family were devastated to learn he had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

The cancer affects only 650 people in the UK each year and little Leyton, from Hartlepool, has already endured a gruelling course of chemotherapy.

With two years of treatment still ahead of him, generous charity workers and Hartlepool College construction students have worked together to build Leyton’s Pad – a garden shed he can play in between hospital visits.

The North-East’s Miles for Men charity contacted Leyton’s parents, Dawn and Jamie Anderson, following their son’s diagnosis and recruited fellow volunteers to do something special for the youngster.

Richie Griffiths, director at Miles for Men, said: “Even though Leyton does suffer with his treatments, he doesn’t let it get him down and is such a little character who is always smiling.

“He is very close to our hearts at Miles for Men and we all wanted to put on a nice surprise for him.

Hartlepool College students constructed the shed in their spare time, with flooring, furniture, and building materials donated by Mark Johnston Flooring, MKM Building Supplies and D&M Landscaping.

Mr Griffiths added: “Everyone jumped at the chance to help out and it was fantastic that all these small companies dedicated their time and resources.

“The smile on Leyton’s face when he saw his pad for the first time was wonderful to see.”

The play area was revealed to the delighted five-year-old last week after he returned home from hospital.

Mother-of-four, Mrs Anderson, said: “It was very hard to keep this a secret from Leyton. but when he saw it he absolutely loved it.

“It’s somewhere where he can have fun with his friends after his treatments and we’re looking forward to putting some tables and chairs outside when the weather gets nicer.”

Miles for Men hosted a charitable fun run through Hartlepool streets last week with the Anderson family and college students also taking part.

Shaun Hope, head of student recruitment at Hartlepool College, said: “When Miles for Men asked if our construction department could help, the students were only too happy to volunteer.

“Leyton’s Pad is a perfect example of how we work together with local businesses and charities and offer students real-life work experience whilst doing something amazing to help children like Leyton."