Connor McCreaddie, the obese eight-year-old who weighs 14 stone, has been allowed to stay with his mother after social workers considered taking him into care.

Tyneside social services met to discuss his progress in losing weight and consider whether his obesity amounted to child abuse.

Health workers and a dietician have been helping the family after his mother, Nicola McKeown, 35, went to professionals for assistance.

Connor, who is so overweight he can hardly walk, has lost 1 stone 7lb since beginning a diet and exercise regime two months ago and now officials have decided the youngster is better off with his mother.

After the North Tyneside Council meeting, which Connor and his mother attended, the Local Safeguarding Children Board said: "We have had a useful discussion today during which all agencies and the family confirmed that the priority in this matter is the eight-year-old boy."

"The Local Safeguarding Children Board was able to confirm that its hope and ambition is to enable this child to remain with his family."

Before the ruling his mother said: "Taking him away from his family when he needs them to help him would be, I think, disastrous for Connor. I think it would make him worse."