THE FAMILY of a boy who is battling cancer are celebrating after a scan showed he was improving.

And his family say that they will receive the "best Christmas present ever" when he comes home for December 25.

Bradley Dean, eight, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer of the nervous system, in May.

He was treated with chemotherapy over four weeks at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in September.

Maria Dean, Bradley's mother, said last week's scan showed there were only a few hotspots left in the eight-year-old's legs and arms after initial scans showed the cancer had spread to his legs, arms, bones and spine.

Maria Dean, of Marlborough Street, Burnley, said: "She said it's a really good assessment and the scan shows it's all gone in his legs and hips.

"It is a massive improvement on the last scan and we are all so pleased because it is a good sign.

"He will be home for Christmas and it will be a double celebration.

"Last time he went in for a scan it was so bad so the treatment must have done something.

"When he was in hospital it was the worst time. He had the worst pain he has ever experienced."

Bradley, who was diagnosed after he had problems walking, will have radiotherapy over the next few weeks which will be followed by a course of vitamin A and penicillin.

Supporters of the young Manchester United fan have raised thousands of pounds for him.

Bradley's Aunt Susan Dean is behind the scheme asking people to buy an extra Christmas present which can then be donated to the hospital.

She said: "This is wonderful news and we will be celebrating the best Christmas we have ever had."

Bradley has enjoyed his first week at Springfield Community Primary School and is set to be best man when his parents renew their marriage vows next year.