A Keighley youngster being honoured for his courage could help find the key to a rare disease.

Joshua Leighton (pictured) is one of only 170 people in the world to suffer from Gorham's disease, otherwise known as Vanishing Bones Syndrome.

Holy Family School have selected him as one of five Keighley youngsters to receive the Danny Ryan Award - a cash award conceived 17 years ago after the death of a deputy head master for children who have shown courage in illness or disability.

Scientists at St James' Hospital, Leeds, are carrying out tests on a piece of Joshua's rib, which could lead to a cure for the condition.

They are researching whether the disease can be reversed.

Joshua's mum Sharon says: "We are aware that it's research and they might not be able to find out how to reverse the process.

"If they can't there are a number of other things they will try, although in the end he might have to have an operation on his spine in two or three years time."

The ten-year-old, who lives on Spencer Street and attends Guardhouse Primary School, was diagnosed with the disease after part of his body filled with fluid.

A small hole was discovered in his spine, which has since been healed through radiotherapy.

Joshua's torso is in a protective cast and he has to return to hospital every six weeks for check-ups.

He picks up his Danny Ryan Award - a share of £2,000 -- at an awards presentation dance at Holy Family School on Friday, November 16.

Other winners are Megan Presland, Ditta and Tahir Saleem and Kyle McInness.