A little boy who suffers with a rare genetic skull disorder is home for Christmas having spent a month fighting for his life in hospital over the last festive season.

Stanley Turner, from Herne Bay, has Crouzon syndrome and has endured 20 operations in his short life.

The five-year-old was rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital with a deadly infection in December 2012 and the family stayed with him over Christmas.

But while staff did their best to create a special festive atmosphere, mother Claire and father Clint said they are delighted that this time they can enjoy a normal Christmas.

The couple, of Western Esplade, and their other children - Harriet, seven, and Frederick, 21 months - are looking forward to being together.

Claire said: "The hospital were wonderful to us last year, but it's just great that Stan is now a lot better and we can all be together normally.

"Unlike last year, this time he was well enough to attend the Great Ormond Street Christmas Party where he met lots of celebrities including Emma Bunton."

She added: "Because of Stan's condition, it is likely that he will need more operations as he grows.

"And now that he is older he is more aware about going to hospital and what that entails which makes him more anxious.

"But despite what he has had to go through, he really is a comical, cheeky little boy."