A THREE-year-old amputee is on the verge of taking his first steps on new £12,500 prosthetic legs.

Archie Barton, of Stoke, lost his legs due to severe septicaemia after being struck down by meningitis at 18 months old.

Mum Nicky Barton said he is making "amazing" progress and the hi-tech limbs are enabling him to walk with minimal support.

The family bought the lightweight legs from the private Dorset Orthopaedic Clinic after deciding NHS ones were heavy and uncomfortable.

NHS Plymouth has recently agreed to pay for them for a year and the Bartons are waiting to be reimbursed.

Local fundraisers have collected more than £120,000 for Archie's continuing care. The cost will rocket as he grows and needs replacement prosthetics perhaps as often as three times a year.

Nicky said: "He can stand and balance on his own and he's kicking out with minimal support to take steps.

"He's nearly there on his own – he can walk when I give him a little support on his hips.

"He's crawling in these legs; it's amazing – the first time he's crawled since a baby, since before he lost his legs."

Nicky said the specially-fitted prosthetics are "far superior" to his previous ones, more flexible and comfortable.

The family had feared the free NHS legs were hindering his development as they twisted when he tried to walk.

She said: "He's definitely happier than he was before and never moans about putting them on.

"It's like the legs belong to him. They are more flexible and you can pick him up like a normal child and put him on your hip."

Archie is also receiving daily physiotherapy at Woodlands School in Whitleigh, where he attends nursery, as well as hydrotherapy.

Nicky thanked fundraisers for their "overwhelming" support.

Since launching the Archie's Story website to raise money and awareness of meningitis, people inspired by Archie's story have organised a vast range of events.

Nicky said: "In setting up this website we hope to alert people to the dangers of Meningitis B so they may be prepared if a child of theirs shows symptoms which might be those of meningitis.

"If we can prevent just one child suffering the way that Archie has suffered, and will continue to suffer, then our efforts will have been worthwhile."

Archie's Summer Ball will take place at Plymouth Albion Rugby Club in Devonport on August 14. Tickets are £40 each and available from Nicky and Murray Barton on 01752 240350.

Visit the website at www.archiesstory.co.uk