But when he was five years old Myles was finally diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia after suffering and puzzling doctors for several months.

Now, after more than three years of chemotherapy, Myles is just three weeks away from being given the all-clear from the disease that overproduces malignant white blood cells.

His mum, Marcia, said: "He actually stopped walking in the October before he was diagnosed in the February. They weren't sure if he'd be able to walk properly again.

"Myles has such a sense of humour. He was determined to start walking again and to play football.

"He went through a lot of pain and there were some very harsh times when his muscles were thin. But we've had some good times too."

Myles's bravery and determination were the reasons his mum and dad, Douglas, nominated him for a Reporter Series Champion Children award.

Unfortunately Myles was ill with pneumonia when the presentation ceremony took place on April 21 so he was presented with his award this week at his home in Hindley Road, Liversedge, instead.

Myles, a Millbridge J&I School pupil who wants to be a building surveyor, said being ill had been tough, but he had enjoyed the fame he had received after being featured in local papers.

The eight-year-old added: "When I came home once from hospital I had a dream and all the nurses in it kept shoving medicines down my neck.

"But when I was about six I had to have lots of potassium and that was okay because I got to eat lots of potatoes and chips and bananas.
"I was determined to get better because I wanted to get more skilled at football."

As well as playing football, Myles also loves tennis and the exercise helps increase his leg muscles.

The family is waiting for results of recent bone marrow tests which will hopefully show that he has fully recovered.

The main reminder of Myles's ordeal are the insoles he has to wear in his shoes to support his leg muscles. Now his treatment had finished his hair is growing quickly - something Myles is pleased about although it makes his head itch!

He said: "The singer in my favourite band, AC/DC, he's called Angus, and he had long hair. I can be like a rocker!"