A BOY with a serious developmental problem has been offered NHS support - more than six years after his family asked for help.

Helen Steel, 48, of Stanley, had given up hope that anything could be done for her son George, who is now 16. But she fears it is too late for George, who has severe problems with his balance.

In a letter sent to Health Secretary John Reid on January 19, Mrs Steel said: "What upsets me is that George has been denied any chance of help or support for his condition for over six years. Would the health department keep someone waiting for an appendix operation for six years? I think not."

Wynford Dore, chairman and founder of the Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Attention Deficit Treatment Centre, said: "This is an amazingly common problem for parents, who feel so helpless."

George was referred to the Durham and Chester-le-Street Occupational Therapy Service (OT) in September 1998, when he was ten, after he was diagnosed as having dyspraxia, a condition which affects co-ordination.

Mrs Steel said: "He had a short course of intensive therapy. After that there was nothing."

He has made great progress despite his problems and is studying four AS level courses at New College, Durham.

George's mother was stung into action after receiving a letter on January 19 from the occupational therapy service of Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust. The letter said: "Your son, George, was referred to the occupational therapy service on 18.9.98. Due to increased funding and service developments, we are now able to offer him an OT assessment."

The treatment centre has evidence that dyspraxia can be overcome by an exercise programme, but the nearest service is in Sheffield and families usually have to pay for treatment.

A spokesman for Durham and Chester-le-Street OT Services said: "Previously, George Steel has not met the occupational therapy department's criteria for assessment.

"However, due to increased resources and investment from the PCT, he has now been offered an assessment by an occupational therapist. He was sent a letter, questionnaire and invitation to contact OT to make an appointment."

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "We have increased the UK occupational therapist workforce from 11,518 in September 1997 to 15,391 in September 2003, but we recognise there is more to do."