INSPIRATIONAL Southampton teenager Errol Matthews, who has been given just months to live, has been admitted to hospital suffering from pneumonia.

The 17-year-old is undergoing tests at the city's general hospital.

In the summer, doctors told Errol he could not have the heart and lung transplant that would save his life because it was too dangerous.

The ardent Arsenal fan has already undergone eight operations and is unlikely to survive another serious procedure.

Errol did not succumb to self-pity when doctors gave him the devastating news.

Instead he has been busy raising hundreds of pounds for Naomi House Children's Hospice, where he is due to spend Christmas.

"His courage and bravery is outstanding," said a hospice spokesman.

"He's got that kind of attitude of never giving up in the face of what most of us could never imagine coping with."

But as he lies in his hospital bed, Errol is set to receive a boost from a Southampton group touched by his bravery.

The Bitterne Park Hotel darts league wants to present him with a cheque for £350, the proceeds from the organisation's annual charity evening.

Darts league spokeswoman Mo Perkiss said: "We thought we would give the money we raised to Errol.

"It really touched us when we saw his story in the Echo so we decided to give him the money rather than find a charity, like last year."

On hearing the news of the generous gift, Errol's mum Jan Lawler said: "That's lovely. This will be a boost for him."

Errol has been ill all his life. Medics predicted he would die many years ago but his determination and strength of character has confounded them time and time again.

He raised money for Naomi House by organising and DJ-ing a succession of discos around Southampton.