BOLTON'S recognised world expert on immunisation describes the MMR vaccination as a "miracle" -- despite his son dying from a condition which developed days after having a pre-school injection.

Hiding his sadness, Dr Robert Aston, travels the world speaking of his unshakeable belief in immunisation.

The former Government adviser says the vaccine is the single most effective way of preventing premature death.

Although he speaks as a scientist, Dr Aston also uses his own personal experiences to bring home the message that parents should immunise their children.

His son, Tom, died severely handicapped in 1995. Tom, who was 19 when he lost his fight for life, developed progressive paralysis just days after his pre-school immunisation.

Dr Aston said: "I have every understanding and sympathy for parents looking after children who have serious diseases or illnesses. I have been through it. I know."

Dr Aston admits to linking his own son's illness to the possibility that immunisation had triggered Tom's condition.

He said: "Of course I put the two together. When you are faced with something that changes your whole life you begin to ask questions."

But scientific evidence that Muscular Dystrophy develops at the moment of conception put paid to any doubts over the vaccine's safety.

Dr Aston added: "The vaccine has been extensively researched and there is no proven link with autism or bowel disease.

"As a doctor, and as an emotional person with a deep commitment to the human race, I will do what I can to prevent premature death. Immunisation is a miracle and is the best thing that has come out of medical science in preventing human suffering, disease and death."

At the moment, the uptake of child vaccination for MMR in Bolton is 94 per cent putting the town in the top 10 in a nationwide list of health authorities giving the triple vaccine.

Dr Aston said: "For a deprived, North-west community the take up is tremendous and is a reflection of the hard work and dedication from school nurses, to community health staff and to Bolton parents themselves."

Dr Aston is no stranger to facing the harsh criticisms of parents and has been on various high profile TV shows defending the vaccine.

The public health consultant, who has been at the helm of immunisation in Bolton since 1988, denied that the financial cost was the reason why England used the triple vaccine instead of separate innoculations.

He said France and other parts of Europe used single vaccines because they still had a high incidence of measles.

Dr Aston said: "It would also cost 20 times as much, which with the limited budget of the NHS would mean less spent on breast cancer and other areas. GPs would have to administer six injections instead of two resulting in fewer people being able to see their doctor.

"If we had evidence of an increased risk, I would be for the single injections. But we have no evidence.

"As a grandparent to an eight month old child, Emily, I would consider it cruel to say that she must have six injections instead of two when there is no reason to do so."

He said the MMR vaccine "kicks in" at different intervals, countering arguments that too much is being absorbed by children at one time.

Dr Aston added: "I have had my own share of personal tragedy. I am not a heartless person. I care very much about people's health and people's suffering. If I can do anything in my life to prevent that, I will."

The Department of Health is currently undergoing major research as to the exact cause of autism.

Dr Aston added: "I welcome this research into autism. People have latched on to something and it has distracted us from finding out the real cause. It has all been unfounded scaremongering."