Toddler Momin Iqbal has flown home to Pakistan to join his family after generous Bradfordians helped save his life.

The 14-month-old recovered so well from heart surgery paid for by district fundraisers that he went home to Mirpur just two weeks later.

His relieved family said the six-hour operation at Leeds General Infirmary to widen his aorta gave Momin such an energy boost that he amazed doctors by learning to walk only seven days after leaving hospital.

Momin's aunt Tabasin Khanaym, of Canford Drive, Allerton, said: "Momin is a different boy. He was up and about and into everything in no time after the op. His doctors were amazed with how quick he got over the operation.

"His doctors wanted him to stay in this country for another six weeks so he could have a check-up before he went back to Pakistan but his mum was anxious for them to get back to their other family."

Momin will still have to undergo regular check-ups for the rest of his life.

"Doctors have warned us his condition could re-occur so that's why he need to have regular check-ups. But that is a small price to pay for his health now," she explained.

News of Momin's progress will delight Telegraph & Argus readers who joined his family to raise the £18,000 needed to pay for his life-saving operation.

The tot and his 32-year-old mother Irram Yasir flew from Pakistan in September after doctors there said he needed open heart surgery. Doctors at LGI gave a second opinion and agreed to perform the operation if the money could be found.

Relatives in Bradford rallied round and launched a campaign to raise the cash.

Among the fundraisers were youngsters at St Philip's Primary School, in Fairbank Road, Girlington, who raised £800. And Eccleshill taxi driver Riaz Hussain, who collected £1,200 with family and friends.

Mrs Khanaym said: "We are all so thankful for the help we got from people here. We will never be able to replay their kindness but thanks to them this little boy now has a wonderful life in front of him."