A young boy has flown thousands of miles to say thank you to the doctors who saved his life.

Five-year-old Alex Barnes returned to the Florida clinic where he had pioneering treatment to remove a cancerous brain tumour.

Alex, from Fleckney, had proton therapy – which uses a laser directly pointed on the tumour to remove it – last October.

The family, including Alex's sister Felicity, have now returned as doctors at the University of Florida Proton Therapy Centre in Jacksonville were keen to see how their young patient was doing.

Two scans which have been done in Leicester have so far shown that Alex is clear of the tumour.

More tests are now being carried out in America.

Speaking from the clinic Alex's mother, Rosalie, said: "It is all so very different to a year ago.

"The doctors are really, really pleased with Alex's progress.

"He has had a number of tests and they are all very good so far."

She added: "They have asked for additional tests to be carried out to check various things and Alex has to have an annual hearing, eye and hormone test but it is all generally very positive.

"Doctors here want Alex to come back every year so they can chart his progress."

Alex is helping promote the clinic by featuring in advertising material. He is also looking forward to a "proper" holiday.

Mrs Barnes said: "He is looking forward to ten-pin bowling and to the July 4, Independence Day celebrations."