Children with cerebral palsy are set to benefit from a pioneering operation on the NHS

Parents of children with cerebral palsy have welcomed an NHS decision to fund an operation that will allow youngsters to walk unaided.

The pioneering procedure, known as Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), reduces the tight and stiff muscle tone in lower limbs to allow children to walk without the need of crutches or have to use a wheelchair.

Privately the operation costs around 50,000 and a number of youngsters from the North East have travelled to America to undergo the life-changing procedure.

Last year, Callum Brown and his parents Sharon and Neil jetted off to St Louis Childrens Hospital in the USA after they spent months raising the huge sum needed for the op.

Callum Brown with mum Sharon

The surgery has allowed Callum, who suffers from diplegic cerebral palsy, to walk independently for the first time in his life.

Callum, nine, underwent the five-hour SDR procedure on his spine and two weeks later he was back in theatre again for work to be done on his heels and hamstrings.

Mum Sharon, 41, of Seaton Sluice, Northumberland, said: Its absolutely fantastic news for children who will qualify for the operation and its a step in the right direction.

The surgery has been a great success for Callum as hes not in pain anymore and has no spasims, however he still has cerebral palsy and still has to work very hard with his physiotherapy and strengthening exercises.

It is not a miracle cure but it does help improve quality of life.

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Children with cerebral palsy are set to benefit from a pioneering operation on the NHS