Schoolboy gymnast Jordan Kot has been hailed a "little miracle" after winning four gold medals just six months after suffering a stroke.

Ten-year-old Jordan, from Carlton, near Selby, is still on medication and being closely monitored by doctors while awaiting further tests.

But it didn't stop him competing in a county-wide gymnastics event at the weekend, in which he struck gold in the vault and floor classes.

He was also awarded gold for winning his overall age group and finishing as junior champion.

His mother Christine said today: "He's an amazing boy who has proved an inspiration to all his family and friends.

"He was extremely brave during his stay in hospital, undergoing many tests, scans and medication regimes. He never complained once.

"Then to come back and win four gold medals against gymnasts from all over East Yorkshire just a few months later is a fantastic achievement.

"To say we're proud of him is an understatement - he's a little miracle."

Christine, 42, and her husband Nigel, 41, thought their world had fallen apart when their son suffered a stroke in his sleep.

Speaking at their home in Lynwith Court, Carlton, Christine said: "We were dumbstruck - strokes are something you associate with old people.

"We were told the stroke had been caused by a narrow artery in his brain.

"It was a nightmare, but with fantastic care and support from nursing staff at York District Hospital he made a remarkably quick recovery."

Jordan has to take aspirin every day to thin his blood, and has been told he could be on medication for the rest of his life.

Jordan, a member of Goole Gymnastics Club, attends Carlton Primary School, where his sister, Emily, 11, is also a pupil.

Christine added: "It just shows that even at the darkest of times, there is always hope."

Updated: 11:38 Wednesday, May 02, 2001