A YOUNG boy who touched the hearts of everyone he met has lost his battle against cancer.

Duane Jones, aged 11, died in his bed at home in Johnson Fold, surrounded by his family.

And on Wednesday, a horse-drawn carriage will take Duane on his final journey, a gesture prompted by his love of horse riding.

Duane touched the hearts of the Bolton public when he was granted three wishes by charity Wish Upon A Star.

Each was fulfilled, with Duane heading for Florida, Lapland and Chester Zoo.

Today his family paid tribute to Duane, who they said battled bravely through his illness and "never let it get him down".

Dad Glynn said: "He kept us all together and would get us doing daft things.

"Whenever I visited while he was in hospital, he always made me crack his toes. Duane loved dancing and, wherever we went, he would always be the first one up to dance."

People across Bolton rallied round to help Duane fulfil his wishes. Workers from Golden Brown sunbed shops dressed as pensioners to play a rounders match, helping to send Duane, his parents Janice and Glynn, brother Peter, aged 12, and 21-year-old sister Maria to Florida to swim with dolphins. The family also went to Disney World and The Sea Life Centre.

Later, Duane visited Father Christmas in Lapland with his mum. Months after, all the family had a day out at Chester Zoo . . .in a stretch limousine.

The youngster was taken to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital at Pendlebury on March 12 and died last Wednesday morning.

Duane was first diagnosed with cancer two-and-a-half years ago after a mole on his head began to change.

Doctors operated when they discovered the mole was malignant, leaving a hole in the youngster's head. But, after a dose of chemotherapy, Duane was clear of the disease for 16 months.

However, the disease spread to his left lung and then to his lymph nodes. He developed tumours in his head and on his back.

In all, the youngster, who left Church Road Primary School, Smithills, last year, underwent six doses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on his head, knee, ankle and hip.

But Duane always kept his spirits up.

Mum Janice said: "Duane never ever let it get him down. He kept us going all the time. He was very relaxed and never said to us that he was going to die.

"We knew this day was going to come and it all happened how we all wanted it to. He was asleep in his own bed and was in no pain."

Duane's funeral will be held at Overdale crematorium on Wednesday and anyone who knew Duane is welcome. His ashes will be scattered at Matchmore, where Duane went horse riding.

The family are holding a fund-raising night to raise money for the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. There will be a disco and raffle at Rumworth Labour Club, Daubhill, on Friday, March 26.

Tickets are £3 are are available from Janice on 07732 899721 or from the labour club.