A YOUNG boy is set to star in an episode of a popular children's programme after he found an innovative way to communicate with people.

Kenzie Hughes will be appearing on Something Special tomorrow morning (Tuesday, February 9) alongside Cbeebies star Mr Tumble, aka Justin Fletcher.

The nine-year-old, whose cerebral palsy means he is unable to speak, will be seen interacting with the star using eyegaze technology that has given him a voice for the first time after learning the Tobii Dynavox technique through South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s speech and language therapy department.

Kenzie, who also uses a wheelchair, was accompanied by his carer Michelle Hughes, 34, and specialist speech and language therapist Joanna Henfrey, as he showed Justin how he takes part in wheelchair football with Middlesbrough Powerchair Football Club at Rainbow Leisure Centre, Coulby Newham.

Ms Hughes, Kenzie’s permanent carer, said: “Kenzie has had a fantastic day with Justin, who is so lovely. The whole team have been just brilliant with him. It was a very long day for him, but he loved it.

“He’s very clever with that computer and can join in a lot more with other kids now. He takes notice of everything. He’s a bubbly boy – his sense of humour is terrific."

The episode of Something Special will appear on Cbeebies tomorrow (Tuesday February 9) at 9.45am, featuring scenes filmed in Middlesbrough.