A WORRIED mum has made a heartfelt plea on behalf of her three-year-old son for a special playmate he met in hospital called Zak to get in touch as he is missing him desperately.

Kieran Deacon struck up the friendship while he and Zac were both staying in the Elder Ward at Blackpool Victoria Hospital last month.

Although they were only together for two days at the end of February, they both comforted one another greatly and played together all the time.

Since then, Kieran, now back home in Victory Road, Blackpool, keeps crying and telling his concerned mum Claire Deacon that he really misses Zak and wants to see him again. The mum-of-four explained to The Citizen her predicament and asked if we could help her.

She said: "Unfortunately we do not know Zak's second name or the name of his parents and have no way of contacting him as the hospital can't give out private information.

"I meant to get his number and address before leaving, but forgot as we were so ecstatic about taking Kieran home. All we know about him is that he is five years old and was admitted the same day as Kieran with abdominal pains. I think he was from either St Annes or Cleveleys.

"Kieran has been miserable ever since and regularly gets upset thinking about his lost pal Zak. They got on so well together. I have never seen Kieran take to anyone so well. They really did take a shine to one another -- they were virtually inseparable. It seems such a shame they can't meet up again.

"If anyone can help us find Zak and his family, we would greatly appreciate any help and it would make one sad little boy very, very happy. Please give us a call on 290786 if you think you know Zak or can help us in any way."

Kieran was admitted to the hospital after suffering a nasty bang on his neck. His mum confirmed that his neck is now fully recovered and hopes that Zak is similarly in good health now.

MISSING HIS PAL: Little Kieran Deacon, aged three