A child is closer to his dream of being able to walk to school after a weekly newspaper-backed campaign raised £10,000 for him.

Bromsgrove Standard readers helped raise the funds for five-year-old Daniel Speed, who has a rare condition which means he is unable to walk on his own.

But after a campaign by Daniel’s family was launched in June on the Standard’s front page, pictured below, readers pitched in to stump up the cash.

The money will now be used to buy specialist equipment and physiotherapy sessions for Daniel.

A Standard editorial celebrating the appeal’s conclusion reads: “It is fantastic news that the campaign to raise £10,000 for equipment to help Bromsgrove boy Daniel Speed learn to walk has reached its target in such a short space of time.

“Daniel captured the hearts of Standard readers when he said ‘It is my dream to be able to run around with my big sister and friends at school and play football with the other boys in my class.’

“And tomorrow, less than four months since our front page piece, Daniel will take part in his first ever football lesson.

“It is a great testament to the people of Bromsgrove and beyond and shows what can be achieved when the community pulls together.”

Daniel’s mother Laura added: “We are really thankful for everything everyone has done. And it being featured in the paper definitely helped.”