A YOUNG boy with a rare condition which can leave him anxious and isolated has found sanctuary in a local bird of prey centre.
Ten-year-old Johnny Huddleston was born with DiGeorge syndrome, a condition present from birth that can cause a range of lifelong problems, including heart defects and learning difficulties.
He has found a safe haven in the falconry centre at Finlaystone Estate, where he volunteers and helps out at various events in the community.
His mum Kirsty says the visits to Hootenanny have made a huge difference to her son.
Kirsty, 49, who stays in Langbank, said: "Johnny often feels anxious in situations and struggles outwith people he knows.
"DiGeorge is very similar to autism.
"It can have physical problems like heart defects but Johnny has avoided that.
"He just seems to love the falconry centre and loves spending time with the owls and the other birds.
"We have a dog and five chickens at home, so he loves pets.
"Going to the young falcon club helps him so much.
"He also recently volunteered at an event, and that is something he finds difficult.
"But once he gets going he can tell people lots about the birds."
Johnny recently joined the falconry centre on a visit to Newark Primary where he spoke to other children about the birds of prey.,
Hootenanny owners Donna and Billy Pickett say they work with a lot of children on the spectrum who seem to be drawn to the centre.
Langbank Primary pupil Johnny's condition was diagnosed when he was young and is also known as 22q11 deletion.
It is caused by a problem in people's genes but is not usually hereditary, similar to Down's Syndrome.
Kirsty added: "Luckily Johnny has avoided the more physical problems but it can affect growth.
"When he was younger Johnny wasn't growing compared to the charts, that is why he was diagnosed.
"It is a condition that I find a lot of people including GPs and hospital consultants are often not aware of.
"I find myself having to explain it a lot."
Johnny, who has a younger brother Alex, eight, is enjoying spending lots of time in Finlaystone and at the centre.
Falconry centre owner Donna added: "Children with anxiety and difficulties find the birds calming and reassuring.
"This for us is a lifelong passion to look after our birds of prey and to help the children who come along."
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