A KINDHEARTED bobby has made a youngster's dreams come true by treating him to an action-packed day out.

Nathan Howarth, aged three, was over the moon to be invited to a VIP tour of the Air Support Unit at Barton and the horse and dog training school at Chorlton.

The youngster, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder called fanconi anaemia, was even more excited to spend time with his hero, Pc Jack Wild.

Nathan, from Great Lever, has been fixated by all things connected with the police since he was a baby and always makes his mum slow the car down if they spot a bobby on the beat.

Special

But when they stopped to speak to Pc Wild, who is based at Astley Bridge police station, they made a friend for life and he offered to arrange the special outing for them.

Nathan was so excited about the excursion that he could hardly sleep or eat the night before and was jumping for joy as soon as Pc Wild pulled up to collect him in a police Range Rover.

His mum, Denise Kelly, aged 31, said: "I've never known him so excited about anything. As soon as we met Jack in the street, Nathan became obsessed by him.

"He just wants to talk about Jack all the time and if he is ever reluctant to eat his tea or do something I only need to tell him that Jack would want him to do it and he is immediately well behaved."

The visit to the Air Support Unit was a great success as Nathan had the opportunity to watch the helicopter land and take off as well as having a guided tour of the aircraft.

Nathan gave the helicopter, which cost £3.2million, his seal of approval and even had a go at sitting in the pilot's seat.

Then Pc Wild whisked him off to meet the four-legged police helpers at their kennels in south Manchester.

Nathan, who goes to St Germain nursery school, loves animals and was itching to get as near as possible to the German Shepherd dogs. The youngster also met police horse Ozzy with his rider, Pc Caroline McCann. Pc Wild, aged 43, who is a beat officer in Halliwell, said: "I've been amazed at how much information Nathan has taken in.

"I knew he would love the dogs and horses, but he has not missed a trick. I'm only too happy to do this, it's what the job is all about."

Nathan's parents have managed to raise £50,000 towards the £150,000 cost of paying for their son to have gene therapy which is only available in the United States.

Denise added: "I've had a great time. I love to see Nathan happy and smiling and he has had a fantastic time.

"Jack and all the police officers we've met deserve a huge thank you."

The brave youngster has been in and out of hospital since he was born because of several unconnected disorders. He has heart and hearing problems, has had a lung removed and was ill for many months with a stomach ulcer.

Anyone wanting to support the Nathan Howarth appeal is urged to call his mother on 0802 694448.