A MOTHER has praised a sports club for helping her son manage his medical condition.

Mrs Anita Gordge says her son, Christopher, has "blossomed" emotionally and physically since going to Denby Dale Kickboxing Club.

And she praised instructors Ary and Sarah Hauer for their dedication and patience in helping him.

Eight-year-old Christopher suffers from dyspraxia, which affects his co-ordination and balance.

"He couldn't stand on one leg when he started classes. But he's just come on since he started and has achieved his first two belts - red and yellow - and hopes to take his orange belt next month," said Mrs Gordge.

She was speaking ahead of Dyspraxia Awareness Day - July 7.

The Dyspraxia Foundation, which organises the day, wants to make more people aware of the condition, to make sure children are diagnosed quickly.

Mrs Gordge said Skelmanthorpe Infant and Nursery School, where Christopher goes, had also helped him tremendously, with exercise regimes and special education.

"They help him a lot at school with special exercises. He's just doing so well now in every way," she added.

Mrs Gordge has another son, Thomas, two-and-a-half.

* Dyspraxia used to be called `clumsy child syndrome'

* The Dyspraxia Foundation estimates that about 7% of the population are sufferers. Most are boys

* Sufferers usually do not crawl as babies and walk late

* Children have exaggerated limb movements and often stamp when walking

* They struggle to perform simple tasks, like using a knife and fork

* They often bump into furniture and walls

* They seem in a world of their own

* They suffer from low self-esteem.