RHYS PEWTNER has to have his legs in plaster for weeks at a time because his tendons are too short.

The Caldicot youngster has a disability which some doctors believe is a form of cerebral palsy, although his mum Sharon disputes this.

But what isn't in dispute is that a disabled children's centre for south Gwent would transform his life.

Rhys, 12, has been visiting the Eveswell Clinic in Newport since he was five.

If his tendons were left untreated, he would be forced to walk on his toes. Now his mum is urging people to support the Argus Sparkle Appeal for a new £6m Children's Centre to be built at High Cross.

We aim to raise £250,000 towards the cost of the centre - and your help and donations will mean the world to Rhys and his family.

Mum of four Sharon, 35, says: "If the new centre was open it would make a world of difference. It would mean Rhys could socialise with other children and that would really help build his confidence.

"You would never want your child to have to go to it but at least we would have the facilities if needed."

Sharon says that when Rhys started walking she had noticed he did so on his toes. But it was only after he broke his foot that she feel she could seek help.

After speaking to orthopaedic staff at the Royal Gwent Hospital he was referred to Eveswell and has been visiting the two ever since.

Sharon says: "His tendons were too short so they started the process of plastering his legs every couple of months for two weeks at a time. The aim is to stretch the ligaments and help him walk. "He also has to wear splints to bed and special boots."

Sharon says: "The people who work at Eveswell are great but the facilities need to be improved. There is no car parking, nowhere to eat if you have to wait and nothing to do to keep you and other children occupied."

The mother-of-four says that one centre where everything could be done would also mean Rhys having to miss less school for visits to the clinic and hospital.

Rhys has to continue the treatment while he is still growing and the hope is that when he stops his ligaments will have stretched enough to allow him to walk properly.