by Andy Gray

agray@thekmgroup.co.uk

When the family of a severely disabled youngster were told specialist equipment to ease his misery would cost £10,000 they quietly gave up hope.

But they didn't bank on the kindness of pub regulars in West Malling.

Seven-year-old Kye-Reece Spooner has cerebral palsy after suffering a brain injury. A £10,000 hydropool would help ease debilitating muscle cramps.

When the Spooner family mentioned it at their local, the Five Pointed Star, friends organised a sky dive.

Mum Lauren Spooner said: "Everyone is being so kind and generous."

Bridgett Lindsey, 49, the Five Pointed Star's manager, said: "They're a nice young family and we want to help where we can.

"Before we knew it, the regulars were chipping in with all sorts of offers of help. They're a great crowd and it's a real community effort."

For more on this story, see this week's Kent Messenger Malling edition.