A BRAVE youngster, who is facing more surgery, has started nursery school.

Three-year-old Liam Lyons has already had three major operations at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital and now doctors are seeking advice from across the world to continue to treat him.

He was born with an interrupted aorta and has suffered from severe heart and bronchial problems.

Next week, his parents, Joanne and Jason, will take him back to hospital for a consultation to see whether he needs more surgery.

Soon after his birth, Liam became the first child in the North-East to undergo pioneering surgery to keep his airways open.

Last year, he had surgery for the third time, for an operation to close a hole in his heart. Now, he faces more surgery to remove the equipment inserted to ensure air flows through his lung properly.

Despite his problems, Liam has joined his friends at the nursery at Cockfield Primary School and is loving every minute.

Mrs Lyons said: "He is really well at the moment and he loves going to nursery. We are very proud of him and it is great to see him having so much fun. He has had a tough time, but it lovely to see him acting like any other child. You wouldn't know there was anything wrong with him."