Teenager Adam Metcalfe is looking forward to a New Year with two new arms.

The 14-year-old, who was born without arms, will be getting one of the latest electronic limbs as well as a mechanical arm to help him cope with everyday tasks.

His father David Metcalfe said: "It will be a very proud moment for us, it's another chapter in his development."

Adam, a Bowling Community College pupil, has coped without false limbs since he was seven.

But now he hopes the right electronic arm and mechanical left arm will help him "blend in" with other youngsters his age and boost his confidence.

He said: "I'm looking forward to getting them and trying them out. I don't know how much I will be able to do with them but they should make things easier."

A keen artist, Adam, of Arkwright Street, Tyersal, Bradford, expects to take delivery of the limbs next month.

His right arm will consist of a jointed elbow, a rotating wrist and a gripping hand, covered with a skin-like glove.

The whole unit is driven by levers controlled by his finger and thumb on his right shoulder and a special belt. The hand is specially made in Germany and is coupled to an arm assembled in Leeds.

Mr Metcalfe, a joiner, said it upset him to know his son could never do a similar job. He said: "Though Adam has always been the way he is you never get used to it, things happen every day that he can't do himself. He doesn't like asking for help and it's upsetting to see him get frustrated. I'll be choked up to see him wear his coat properly." But he added he and his wife Diane, 34, had never treated him any differently from their other children Craig, 16, Jodie, 12, Kirsty, ten and Chelsey, six.

"We've never wrapped him up in cotton wool," he said. "He gives everything a go, he used to have a paper round and went out in all weathers."

Consultant Duncan Cotter, of Chapel Allerton Hospital in Leeds, where Adam's arm will be fitted, said even the latest limbs were still limited but could be operated sub-consciously with practice.

He said: "Artificial limbs complete the picture for the patient and help their self-esteem.

"Your clothes look better and the hands look very realistic. What people can do with them is down to the individual but we give training and support.

"They're limited because you can't feel anything through them but they can be a big help with everyday tasks."

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