American doctors have given the family of a blind, seriously ill toddler new hope that he may be able to see following a successful visit to a Maryland clinic.

Connor Entwistle, aged two, from Woodside, Windhill, Shipley, suffers from a rare genetic disorder called Leukodystro-phy and is expected to live only until his teens.

He is registered blind and has had severe breathing problems which have needed emergency hospital treatment and until recently had to be fed through a tube in his nose.

But following tests over seven days at the world-leading National Institute of Health in Maryland there is renewed hope that he might be able to regain some sight.

Grandmother Kathleen Morley said: "The doctors say there's no damage to his eyes and no nerve damage.

"The reason he doesn't see is because he suffers from a white matter disease of the brain.

"If other tests are conclusive - and we'll know the results in about a month's time - we will know exactly what the doctors can and can't do.

"There's a possibility that then we would be looking for something similar to a bone marrow transplant, which would give him some eyesight back.

"That would be marvellous!

"The fact that we know he has no nerve damage means the disorder is in its very early stages or is not going to be progressive. We've also learned that the disorder may not be genetic after all but could have been caused by a virus or immunisation.

"The doctors are very positive and depending on this report, which is the next key event, will be putting him on a programme to return next year.

"We are very excited by what's happened, but are apprehensive waiting for these reports."

Karen and husband David are also hoping that the tests will show their ten-month-old daughter Katelyn is clear of any similar disorders.

Thousands of pounds has been raised in aid of the plucky toddler and his parents hope to use some of the money to create a special playroom for him.