BRAVE Kieran Shilston will undergo a life-changing operation on his scalp next week which should help stimulate hair to grow back on his head.

The courageous 10-year-old suffered 60 per cent burns to his body, when he fell into a bath of hot water, when aged just 18 months.

Kieran was due to have the operation at Frenchay Hospital near Bristol last month, but the specialist plastic surgeon who normally operates was posted abroad to work with the army. Kieran will now travel to Bristol with his grandmother for the operation next week.

His grandmother, Janet Shilston from Sticklepath, said it was a major operation but the family was hoping Kieran would fully recover from the treatment in time for Christmas.

Janet said the operation involved a process called tissue expansion which should facilitate hair growth on the back of Kieran?s head.

She said: ?Kieran decided to have the operation himself. The specialist talked to him in depth about it, so he understands everything about it.

?After the operation, he will stay in hospital for a week or two, and then he will convalesce at home?.

Janet paid tribute to all the staff at the Frenchay Hospital who had cared for Kieran on many previous visits.

?It is like a second home to us up there. The nurses are very supportive. They are marvellous people who give up their spare time to take children on trips like camping holidays,? she said.

Young Kieran and his grandmother have also forged a close friendship with Falklands hero Simon Weston, who spoke to Kieran on the telephone to reassure him about the operation.

?Kieran has an optimistic view about the pain as he knows that when he goes into hospital it will hurt, but after he comes out he feels much better,? Janet said.

Janet said Kieran had demonstrated remarkable courage in undergoing 40 operations at such a young age. He will have to receive more operations for the next seven or eight years while his body is still growing.

Kieran?s frequent operations and spells in hospital have meant he has been forced to be absent from South Tawton Primary School for long periods in the past few years. He is due to start at Okehampton College next September.