Ref. 30793-42A YOUNGSTER who suffers from a rare neurological condition is making progress after swimming with dolphins in America.

Caitlin Peck,f rom Freshbrook, spent time in the pool with the fun-loving creatures as part of a three-week therapeutic break in the Florida Keys.

The seven-year-old has been diagnosed with a form of Angelman Syndrome, as previously reported in the Adver.

The condition, called uniparental disomy, means that it is unlikely the Freshbrook Primary School pupil will ever talk or live an independent life.

Her mother, Selena Wells, 37, said the trip was a long time coming but well worth the wait.

"We have been back a week and Caitlin is showing much more willingness to learn," she said.

"Dolphin therapy is thought to improve a child's concentration by means of a reward.

"Caitlin would sit on a dock by the side of the pool and respond to tests before being allowed to enter the pool with the dolphin.

"She has definitely made progress and, although she isn't talking, she is making lots more noises which is excellent."

A fund the Caitlin Peck Appeal was set up by the girl's grandmother Cath Flippence four years ago and it was not long before Swindonians had raised £15,000.

Selena added: "I have put Caitlin's name down for next year and hopefully she will be able to go back.

"I've some money left over from the fundraising and if we need any more I'll raise it myself."

The disorder which hits 1 in 25,000 children

Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a neurological disorder in which severe learning difficulties are associated with a characteristic facial appearance and behaviour.

Dr Harry Angelman, a paediatrician working in Cheshire, first reported three children with this condition in 1965 and it was presumed to be rare.

In 1987, it was noted that about half the children with AS have a piece of chromosome 15 missing.

The condition has been reported more frequently and the incidence is thought to be 1 in 25,000 children.

For more details, log onto www.angelman.org