A brave toddler who has learnt to walk against the odds is raising funds for the centre that changed his life.

Three-year-old Finley Rosbotham, from Accrington was born with a part of his brain missing and doctors predicted he would never walk or talk.

The youngster has severe cerbral palsy but defied expectations to take his first steps last year.

And battler Finley, of Pearl Court, is set to stun his supporters once again by completing a 100 metre walk in July to raise funds for Holly House in Accrington where he has received a range of therapies.

Finley has been attending the centre since he was an infant and has had speech therapy, physio, occupational therapy and attended special baby groups.

The centre also provided parents Kelly, 37, and Ivan, 33, with respite for the youngster to allow them to spend time with his twin sister Ellie and older siblings Paige, 16, and Mackenzie, 12. At the centre Finley learned to crawl and eventually to walk and even run as well as starting to speak.

Mum Kelly said the family were incredibly grateful to the centre and added that Finley was now preparing to transfer to mainstream nursery Fairfield.

She said: "We’re so grateful to Holly House for everything they’ve done, they’re part of our family now and they’ve watched Finley grow- he’s surprised them a lot. Anything else he achieves now will be a bonus – he’s already a superstar.

"He doesn’t know about the walk but he’s decided he’s Buzz Lightyear at the moment so I’m sure he’ll be fine and I’ll be holding his hand. He normally only does about 15 steps before wobbling so it will be hard work."

Finley will complete his walk at the centre on Friday, July 13 and anyone wishing to support the youngster’s cause can visit www.charitygiving.co.uk/finleyrosbotham or send cheques payable to Holly House based at Acorn Health Centre on Blackburn Road in Accrington.

The family are also holding a fun day at the Poplar Club on July 15 from 12 noon to 4pm with a DJ, face painting, balloon, a tombola and a raffle.