THE family of a boy who often relies on a wheelchair are fundraising to create access to their garden so he can enjoy the space with his siblings.

Joshua Jessop, 10, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a genetic disorder characterised by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness.

It is caused by an absence of dystrophin, a protein that helps keep muscle cells intact, and over time he will need to increasingly use a wheelchair.

His parent, Alan and Karen Jessop, and three other siblings have recently moved into a new bungalow in Scotton, Catterick Garrison, which can better suit Joshua's accessibility needs, but he currently can not get into the garden easily.

Mr Jessop said: "We can access the Disabled Facilities Grant to made adaptations to the home to make it easier for Joshua, but they don't consider the garden to be a priority.

"At the moment, he can't access the garden in his wheelchair, and due to the position of the house we can't get around the side from the front.

"We want to put up some decking and create a bridge so he can get into the garden, which is a wonderful space of about half an acre.

"It is important for his wellbeing for him to get outside and play with his brothers and sister, but it will cost a few thousand pounds so we will need to raise the cash ourselves."

Mrs Jessop, who regularly organises fundraising events to give Joshua positive life experiences, has arranged to hire a screen to show The Greatest Showman at Empire Cinema, Catterick Garrison, on Wednesday, June 19 at 5.30pm.

She said: "The staff are fantastic at Empire Cinema. We have been given a big box of goodies to raffle off too."

Tickets cost £5 and can be reserved at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-greatest-showman-back-on-the-big-screen-tickets.

Visit Journey with Joshua on Facebook.