A disabled schoolboy is being helped to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor thanks to local fundraisers and a giant teddy named Snowy.

Paul Clay has won a clutch of merit awards for his work at Shipley's Woodend Middle School and one day hopes to forge a career in medicine or law.

The 12-year-old suffers from cerebral palsy and rheumatoid arthritis which makes it difficult for him to hold a pen properly.

But big-hearted fundraisers have bought him with a lap-top computer and printer, which will allow him to keep up with his coursework at home and school.

Paul's mother Carol, 37, of Crag Road, Windhill, said: "We can't thank enough the Rotary Club of Shipley, the pubs and everyone who bought tickets for what they've done.

"The computer's going to make such a difference to Paul but without them we had no chance of getting one.

"Paul's getting more and more homework now but when he has to write in volume the stiffness and swelling in his joints make it very difficult.

"He's a very clever lad and would like to be a doctor or go into law but just finds it very frustrating when he can't get it all down.

"I used to be a secretary and have taught him to touch type so having the lap top is an answer to our prayers and will stop him falling behind at school."

Paul, who has a ten-year-old sister, Laura, said: "I enjoy all my lessons but when I have to write a lot it gets quite painful and the writing just disintegrates.

"Having this computer will be a real help, especially now we're getting more homework in Year Eight."

The Rotary Club of Shipley teamed up with several local pubs - The Alma, Dog and Gun, Ring O' Bells, Shipley Pride, New Inn and the Royal Hotel - to raffle off a three-foot high, £300 teddy bear.

The bear, donated by Saltaire's Toystore, raised the money needed to buy the £500 computer.

Snowy has been won by the Bradford Central Solo Club for the widowed, divorced and single.

They bought £41 worth of tickets with money collected at Christmas.

Chris Glendinning, headteacher at Woodend, said: "He's a smashing lad - conscientious, polite and in the top sets for English, science and maths.

Having a computer will enable him to access and communicate information much more freely and easily."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.