HAMPSHIRE toddler James Mills was laughing and joking last night after finally undergoing the long-awaited operation that will enable him to walk.

Three-year-old James has become the latest child to undergo a life-changing procedure known as Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), which cuts through faulty spinal nerves responsible for muscle stiffness.

It follows the success of a Daily Echo-backed appeal to raise the £50,000 needed to pay for the surgery and associated aftercare.

James, of Hythe, is being treated at the world-famous Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

Speaking shortly the surgery his overjoyed mum Vicki, 29, said: "The operation went to plan and James is doing extremely well.

"I can't believe how well I can move his toes and feet. This is the start of a new journey for James."

In a message to her followers on social media she added: "Thanks to everyone for all their support and messages - you have no idea how much it means to us.

"James will be moved to a tilt table tomorrow (Monday) to get the blood flowing to his legs and then have some light physio in the afternoon."

Vicki said James was in a lot of pain yesterday morning but felt much better later in the day.

She added: "He's gone from being in agony at 11am to waking up at 3pm and wanting to stuff his face.

"He was laughing away, morphine drip and fluid drop turned off, and sitting up for the very first time since the operation. What a massive jump forward. I'm so chuffed."

James suffers from cerebral palsy and has been unable to take a single step unaided, but could now be walking within weeks.

After spending almost a month in hospital he will undergo up to two years of physiotherapy, during which he will be taught how to use "the correct muscles in the correct way".

The seven-hour SDR procedure is not not normally available on the NHS which meant Vicki and her supporters had to find the cash themselves.

Their biggest benefactor was former Saints chairman Leon Crouch, of Lymington, who donated about half the money needed.