THE parents of three-year-old George Mitchell, who has a tumour on his brain, celebrated a small victory this week.

Nearly two months ago Fraser Mitchell, 37, and his wife Sophie, 30, from Lyneham, made the agonising decision to put him through a gruelling 12-week course of chemotherapy.

Now the treatment appears to be working, slightly shrinking the solid part of the tumour, although a fluid-filled cyst next to the growth is increasing.

Mr Mitchell, a former RAF navigator, said: "It's not a massive result, but it's very positive. It's an encouraging step because some children don't respond at all. But I don't think we're out of the woods yet by any stretch of the imagination."

Mr Mitchell said the heavy doses of chemotherapy caused the usually boisterous toddler's hair to fall out and he became sickly, quiet and unco-operative. But they were relieved when it was revealed that the treatment appeared to be having an impact.

The brave toddler has now resumed the treatment on reduced dosages.

Mr Mitchell, said: "His quality of life has very much improved. He's funny, co-operative and engaging and he is getting his cheekiness back."

But his parents have still not ruled out taking him to the United States for pioneering surgery to remove the tumour if conventional treatment fails.

The Mitchells have gone without everything but the basics to raise the £70,000 to ensure their son has the chance to have the operation including cashing in their life savings and pensions.

Friends and family at RAF Lyneham, where the couple live, have also been working to raise £35,000 for the surgery leaving the family just £10,000 short.

The Officers' Wives Club at RAF Lyneham is holding a charity auction at the De Vere Hotel, in West Swindon, which will be hosted by Magic Radio 105.4 FM DJ Gary Vincent, on July 16, to help raise the rest of the cash.

The auction of promises includes a flight in a J model Hercules simulator, 18 holes of golf at Wentworth for four players, and a signed England football shirt.

Tickets are £18 each and include a buffet with wine and a disco.

Tickets are available from Charity Auction, 88 Eider Avenue, Lyneham, Chippenham, SN15 4QG. Make cheques payable to Service Funds RAF Lyneham, and enclose an SAE.

For more information contact charityauction@hotmail.com. The family can be contacted on 07950 271067.

Donations can be paid into a Lloyds account with the sort code 309841 and number 4752989. More information on the appeal can be found at www.pledgeforgeorge.co.uk