A YOUNG Down's Syndrome sufferer has had his dream come true after his garden was transformed into a sensory paradise.

Ciaran Searle, from Carterton near Witney, was born with the condition and has suffered a series of other health problems including Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, which results in progressive muscle degeneration.

Because the 10-year-old has to use a wheelchair, it meant he was not able to properly use his garden at home, so his parents Susan and Rob applied to national charity WellChild for some help.

Mrs Searle, who works for Thames Valley Police, said: "Ciaran is a very happy boy, he's very simple in his needs.

"He loves touching and sensing things, he really likes playing with water as well.

"He always goes through the washing line as well, which gave us the idea of applying for the charity."

After his parents noticed Ciaran had problems walking growing up, they took him to hospital and four years ago he had major surgery to fix the problem.

But there was no progress and two years later the Springfield School pupil was diagnosed with the degenerative condition and was told he would need a wheelchair.

In 2014 the family applied to WellChild as part of their their garden initiative, which gives outdoor makeovers to families with sick children.

Last year they got confirmation from the charity that their home had been selected, and the work was finally carried over two days last week.

Mrs Searle added: "The garden was on a slope which made it very difficult to run a wheelchair on.

"There was nothing for him to really enjoy, all we could really do was prop him up on a table really.

"We used to have a paddling pool but because he's heavier now it's hard to lift him in and out.

"What we needed was someone with the know-how to give Ciaran access to the garden.

"People from the charity came to our house and had a look at what was needed, they were fantastic."

The new gardens means Ciaran will be able to access the family garden beyond the outdoor patio.

There is a path down the garden to the back gate, which has an arch over it.

Volunteers also created a sensory play area with sand and water for Ciaran to play in, as well as murals to add colour to the garden.

There is also raised beds along the along the length of the path to provide sensory planting.

Speaking after the project was completed, Ciaran's parents said the new garden would allow them to spend more time together as a family.

Mrs Searle said: "We finally have a proper path where before there was just a drop.

"It means Ciaran can sit out in the sun and enjoy the garden just as much as we can, together as a family."

About 20 volunteers took part over the two-day project, including staff from the St. James's Place Foundation in Cirencester, which gives grants to charities.