A YOUNGSTER who sent a paper aeroplane to the King of Spain was stunned to receive a letter from the Spanish monarch thanking him for the gift.

Eight-year-old Josh Cummings, from Astley Bridge, received the letter two days after the 76-year-old abdicated from the Spanish throne.

Josh made the plane as part of a session at Westmorland School in Chorley, which specialises in catering for children with autism.

The idea of a sending the paper plane to the king came when Josh said he wanted to fly his paper plane all the way to Spain.

And, after exploring the best way to do that with therapist Philip Dowling, Josh wrote a letter to the king asking him to fly it around the royal residence the Palacio de La Zarzuela.

His mum Roselle Delahaye said: “I was amazed, I didn’t even know he had done it.

“I sent the letter back to the school so they could put it up on the wall.

“They have been fantastic for Josh — the difference between now and two years ago is vast.”

The letter from King Juan Carlos said His Majesty appreciated the gift and would fulfil Josh’s request by flying the plane in Spain.

Josh, who was diagnosed with autism when he was six, said: “Mr Dowling helped me and asked me where I wanted the plane to go to. I just said Spain.”

Mr Dowling said the plane has not finished its journey just yet, as it will soon be winging its way to US president Barack Obama, pictured.

He added: “I could not believe the King of Spain replied. He has taken the time to reply and Josh was really excited.

"This is now getting bigger. The plane has the message ‘be happy not sad’ and it is about getting that message around. It is now off to the American president.”