A WORKER travelled to Barcelona and back in a day so a brave youngster could have a special Christmas present from a football superstar.

Joshua Ford, nine, of Lisbon Drive, Burnley, who had to have his legs amputated after contracting a rare form of meningitis, now has a shirt signed by football star Thierry Henry. A family friend arranged the special treat through a relative who works for Bolton Wanderers, who are sponsored by Reebok - former Arsenal striker Henry's boot supplier.

Barcelona striker Henry's representatives agreed to the request for the signed shirt and the worker flew to Barcelona and back in a day so Joshua could have it in time for Christmas.

Joshua's mum, Lisa 30, said: "On Christmas Eve we got a phone call asking us if we were going out.

"And a few hours later they came round to the house with the shirt.

"Not only had it been signed by Thierry Henry, but it also said Merry Christmas Joshua' on the front. Joshua couldn't believe it. He was so surprised."

Joshua faced a battle for life when he became seriously ill with a rare form of meningitis in August.

His parents were told he needed to have his legs amputated for him to survive.

Joshua, who played on the left wing for Ighten Leigh under 10s, was allowed out of hospital three weeks before Christmas.

He has now been given a set of NHS prosthetic legs so he can learn to walk again.

A pupil at Ightenhill Primary School, he will hopefully start school at the end of the month.

The community has rallied round to raise thousands for Joshua, particularly bosses and team mates at Ighten Leigh JFC.

Lisa said: "He is doing really well and he can now wear the legs for a few hours without them causing bruising, or blistering.

"We just want to try and get into a routine. We just don't know what that is at the moment. But he is doing so well at the moment and isn't poorly any more and we are thankful for this."

Joshua, a fan of Chelsea and Burnley, has already met Blues players, including England captain John Terry.