Matthew's medal collection

8:00am Thursday 22nd May 2008

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SPORTS-mad Matthew Topping has proved himself not only a "golden" boy, but a silver and bronze one too.

They were the colours of his medals the seven-year-old scooped in the British Dwarf Athletic Games which were staged in Birmingham.

The Ramsbottom youngster, who has been taking part in the annual event since he was a toddler, lifted two golds, a silver and two bronzes at the Games. The golds were awarded for the 20 metres sprint and swimming and the silver for the ten metres sprint. The two bronzes were won in tennis ball throwing and curling.

And to make it a day to remember, Matthew was also presented with the coveted young achiever of the year award in recognition of his medals haul. He took part in the under 8s category at the event.

Hazlehurst primary school pupil Matthew, of Manchester Road, was diagnosed with the growth-limiting condition achondroplasia when he was six months old. Doctors have predicted he will not grow taller than four feet.

This was the sixth successive year the youngster had taken part in the Games. And his success delighted proud mum and dad, Ruth and David, and older sisters Beth and Emma.

Mr Topping said: "Matthew now has a massive collection of medals which he's won over the years. He will be going to the World Dwarf Athletic Games which will take place in Belfast next year."