NURSERY staff were thrilled when four-year-old Lewis Harland took his first steps.

Doctors had said that Lewis, who has complex physical and learning difficulties, would not walk until he was at least five.

But the determined youngster surprised everyone by attempting to pull himself on to his feet over the summer holidays.

Staff at Darlington's Borough Road Nursery and his family had been encouraging him to take his first steps, so when he eventually walked, they were over the moon.

His mother, Carol, who lives in Darlington, said that some of Lewis's problems stem from the fact he was born prematurely.

It took him a long time to sit up when he was a baby and he only learned to crawl properly when he was nearly three.

She said: "We have always looked forward to seeing him get on his feet, but to see that big smile on his face was beautiful. He gets so excited and loves showing how clever he is.

"Since his teacher first told us he had taken ten steps at nursery he has just been getting better and better. We hoped he would walk by January, so when he went to school he would have that extra independence."

Lynn Millar, headteacher at the nursery, said: "It was lovely when he did it. We stood behind him and let go, and he took his steps.

"He was a bit wobbly at first, but then he was off. It has made such a difference - it has developed his confidence and independence.

"Special needs staff have worked with him a lot to encourage him to walk since he started here in January, so we were so thrilled to see him walking.