A BABY who was born prematurely with a hole in his heart is recovering after a four-and-a-half hour life-saving operation.

Tiny baby Cosworth Jake Walton seems to be winning his fight for survival after undergoing surgery at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool.

Now his parents Anne Baron, 27, and Trevor Walton, 26, of Chapels Brow, Darwen, are praying that Cosworth will make a full recovery after he was transferred to Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn.

Baby Cosworth's story was featured in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph last year when the unemployed couple's old Ford Escort was plundered by thieves after it broke down on the way back from a hospital visit.

Anne said: "The hole in his heart was repaired and he was in intensive care for four days afterwards. But he has made a really quick recovery and the doctors are very pleased with him. "I don't know when I'll be able to take him home. He is six months old but he still weighs only 7lbs, 4oz and the doctors are still a bit concerned about his weight."

Anne, who also has two young daughters, says she has been overwhelmed by the support of wellwishers in the area.

"They've been brilliant," she said.

"I'd especially like to thank Hoddlesden Private Hire in Darwen who had a collection and helped us get to Liverpool."

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