LITTLE Ethan Connolly has had his operation in New York and is ready to travel back home in time for his fourth birthday.

The Penketh youngster flew out with mum, Karen, dad Kevin, and sister, Tilly, last week and Ethan had an op on his mouth on Thursday.

Mum Karen said he came out of hospital on Saturday and was already looking forward to seeing the sites of the Big Apple. He celebrates his birthday next Wednesday, by which time the family hope to be home.

She added: "It is very different in hospital herethey send you home the day after the op!

"They said that we could stay another night as he wasn't eating very well and he was still struggling to sit unaided but it was our choice.

"We had a chat and decided it was going to be more comfortable for Ethan to stay in another night, as he had an adjustable cot bed so he was comfy.

"By Sunday, Ethan was really happy, he keeps saying that he wants to go to the pictures to watch Iron Man."

Ethan's Journey, a charity set up to help the Well Lane youngster, has raised more than £100,000.