CARING Ethan Amer is busy packing his suitcase after being presented with tickets for a family break to Disneyland, Paris.

The seven-year-old was chosen as winner of The Bolton News' Christmas Star competition for the way he had adapted his life to help care for his poorly sister.

Madison, aged three, has a rare condition known as 18q Deletion Syndrome. It means her speech, hearing, balance and co-ordination are affected because certain genetic information is missing from her chromosomes.

Ethan, who attends St Saviour CE Primary School in Stoneclough, accepts that he is often deprived of time with his mother and father because of Madison's condition, and has even learned sign language so he can communicate with her.

Later this month, Ethan, along with Madison and their parents Kate and Brett, will fly to France for the four-day break.

Ethan was nominated by his mum, Kate, of Tanfield Drive, Stoneclough.

Mrs Amer said: "I'm not sure who is more excited - me and Brett or the children. We're absolutely thrilled and can't wait to go to Paris. Ethan is very excited and is looking forward to seeing Mickey and his friends."

The Bolton News launched its Christmas Star competition to find a child who was an unsung hero.

The trip to Paris has been made extra special because the original coach transport has been replaced with air travel because of Madison's condition. It will be the first time the youngsters have travelled on an aeroplane.

Janet Whittingham, retail development manager at Bolton-based St Andrews Travel, which sponsored the competition, said: "When we discovered Madison would not be able to spend so long on a coach we had to do something, so we arranged for the family to be upgraded to flights at no cost to themselves.

"We were so inspired by Ethan's tale - he truly is a star."

Steve Hughes, editor of The Bolton News, said: "Our judges had a hard task, as there were so many entries which could have made worthy winners. But we felt Ethan's story was particularly inspiring and wish him and his family a happy trip."