MOST children at this time of year are busy thinking of what presents to ask Santa Claus for as shops stock up on festive delights.

But little Declan Hobbs, of Peatmoor, has already received the most precious gift a new hand.

Declan, who celebrated his third birthday on December 16, was born with a badly deformed hand following complications in the womb.

When he was born, the ring and middle finger of his right hand were mere stumps.

Now, following a nine-and-a-half hour operation which transferred two of his toes to his hand, Declan can use his hand and seems to have no problems with his fingers.

His dad Paul, 28, believes Declan's ordeal has not affected the energetic youngster.

He said: "He doesn't really know what's going on and doesn't seem at all bothered about his hand. I don't like having to hold him down though when he goes for checkups.

"Everyone else, like friends and family, make more fuss about it than him so it's good that he just gets on with things.

"The operation hasn't stopped him from doing anything.

"I just feel that his condition should have been spotted much earlier, even when he was still in the womb."

Declan recently underwent a second operation which removed excess fat from his hand and, as Paul says, "tidied up the area".

Mum Angela, 24, is expecting another baby in April.

She has suffered from Chrohns Disease an inflammation of the intestine or bowel since Declan was about seven months old, and the couple fear that the condition may have affected Declan's development.

Miss Hobbs said: "I started having stomach pains a few months after having Declan, and a few before I fell pregnant but was told by the doctor that it was just a bug.

"No-one knows how long I have had Chrohns, but it really does make you wonder.

"I am due to have a few more check ups than usual as it is thought the disease might slow down the growth of the baby. But doctors can't say for sure."

The couple also have a seven-year-old daughter, Leanne, who they say has been wonderful with her little brother.

Angela said: "The only time she got fed up was when Declan had his operation. He had to stay in the hospital for five days, which meant Leanne went to her nan's.

" I think she enjoyed it but it was a bit of an upheaval from school, and also from us. She is really looking forward to the new baby."

The family are now looking forward to a Christmas break at Butlins in Minehead. Paul, a warehouse worker, said: "We'll go away for a few days in between Christmas and the New Year. We thought it would make a nice change." In the meantime Declan will continue having fun at home, playing on his scooter, and as his dad says, getting involved in general rough and tumble.