AN inspirational youngster is hoping for a new set of wheels when he starts high school in August.

Jack Pears, who featured in the Tele as a cute six-year-old, is now all grown up.

The 11-year-old has cerebral palsy and needs a riser wheelchair to help him in practical subjects such as home economics, woodwork and science.

Now an appeal has been launched so his family can get the money together to purchase one.

Jack’s mum Pamela Mullan, 30, said: “A riser wheelchair would give him access to cookers in home economics, gas taps in science and in woodwork, which are raised for safety reasons.

“Jack’s a bit anxious about starting high school.

“He enjoyed the induction sessions at the school but he felt a bit left out of the practical subjects.

“The riser would be good for him at home too and also for reaching counters in shops and having a conversation with people who are taller than him.”

“Port Glasgow High have been fantastic.”

Jack lives with his mum Pamela, brother Josh, eight, sister Emily, seven, and little sister Erin, who is two, in Broadfield Avenue.

He was diagnosed at 22 months and his condition affects his mobility and speech.

Jack’s sister Emily has similar issues to him but has never officially been diagnosed.

Jack can communicate by combining some words with a communication aid to help him and his family are now aiming to raise up to £3,000 to buy the wheelchair.

His grandmother Karen Mullan, 48, said: “This riser wheelchair would make a big difference.

“It’s hard enough for anyone to start high school but it’s even more difficult if you have additional needs.

“This would make his life so much better.”

Jack last appeared in the Tele in 2012 to accept a kind donation from Port Glasgow man Dean Fry, who raised £700 with his colleagues from Stopfire Ltd to buy a new adapted bike.

The youngster also did his bit by cycling along the Esplanade to raise funds for the Skylark Centre, where he and his sister received physiotherapy. To help with the new appeal the family are holding a disco and buffet on Friday June 23 in Port Glasgow Social Club and any raffle donations or offers of help would be gratefully received.

Offers of help have already started to pour in and Daniel Gardner, a classroom assistant at Jack’s school, Newark Primary, is walking the West Highland Way.

Meanwhile Jack’s best friend Grant Jenkins is busy fundraising through the Boys’ Brigade and Pamela’s aunt in Aberdeen is also pitching in.

If anyone wants to help, they visit www.facebook.com/jacksnewwheels or www.gofundme.com/jacks-new-wheelchair