THE family of a youngster with a rare metabolic disease are urging people to donate stamps to help raise vital funds.

Five-year-old Harry Rolph-Wills, of Grafton Road, Dovercourt has a rare form of Batten disease, which is found in just one or two children in the UK each year.

His illness, which was diagnosed in July, causes epilepsy, loss of sight and problems with speech and mobility.

Now the Batten Disease Family Association is collecting stamps that can then be converted into donations to fund research into the disease.

Mum Laura said she was hoping people would get involved and send any spare stamps from letters, parcels and Christmas cards.

A collection point for stamp donations has been set up at gaming store Fuse in Dovercourt High Street. Go to facebook.com/boristhebattenbear