A HAMPSHIRE lad is enjoying a new set of wheels thanks to the support of his community.

Six-year-old Finn Kitchen, of Kings Worthy, has the rare condition Joubert Syndrome, which means he has difficulty walking.

Mum Katie, 31, and dad Dan, 36, realised that because it is so tiring for him, Finn was missing out.

A fundraising campaign saw friends, colleagues and community groups pull together to raise the £2,500 needed for a lightweight wheelchair – and Finn is impressed with the result.

“It’s great, and it is shiny. I like it because it is orange – that’s my favourite colour.

“I can do more on my own and wheel by myself. I go by myself (and collect items) and come back when we go shopping,” he said.

Mrs Kitchen said: “We were overwhelmed. It just shows how important he is within the community.

“When you start fundraising, it’s difficult as a parent because you feel like you’re asking for help. But it was a close friend who basically strong-armed us into it!

Mrs Kitchen said that on launching the campaign last September, it gathered pace quickly, and by January everyone from the Girl Guides and the primary school, to a local plumber and the Winchester Round Table, had chipped in.

“He really is a one off. Everyone knows him and we are very proud of all he has managed to achieve and amazingly lucky to live in such a great community,” Mrs Kitchen said.