LITTLE Stefan Savic was back in Weymouth today - proudly showing off his new looks.
The Bosnian lad visited the resort for a short break with mum Slavenka and interpreter Dazza Govic after an appointment at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.
Stefan's visit came nearly a year after he underwent surgery at Great Ormond Street for a facial disfigurement, following an appeal led by soldier Wayne Ingram.
He played on the beach and watched a Weymouth Football Club match during the weekend but also visited appeal supporters at Asda and Weyline Taxis.
The trip comes before Stefan, six, returns to England for an operation at Great Ormond Street in December.
Mr Ingram, an Army staff sergeant who lives in Weymouth, said: "Stefan is looking good.
"He has been playing on the beach and enjoying himself.
"The appointment went well but they have to remove two titanium plates.
"He will have an operation in December and they will correct his nose at the same time."
Dorset Echo readers raised more than £15,000 towards the cost of surgery last October to remove a lump between Stefan's eyes, correct a facial cleft, moves his eyes closer together, reconstruct his nose and cheekbones and improve his sight.
Former mayor Doug Hollings presented Stefan with a history of Weymouth, which he had promised on the youngster's last visit to the resort, when he met the lad on the latest trip.
Mum Slavenka said: "Stefan is feeling super. It is great to be back in Weymouth and Stefan has been having great fun.
"We are really pleased to see everyone again in Weymouth."
Stefan was due to leave Weymouth tomorrow to jet back to Bosnia with his mum and interpreter.
Weyline boss Calvin Stone supplied accommodation for the party and cars to pick them up from the airport and drive them around on this and previous visits.
Kim Llewellyn, who co-ordinated the appeal at Asda, presented Stefan with gifts when he was welcomed at the store in Newstead Road.
Mr Ingram said the appeal fund would cover Stefan's operations in December and immediate costs but more money would be needed for future operations when Stefan was in his teens.
The surgery would involve work to adjust Stefan's skull and face as he grows and reaches adulthood.
Wellwishers in Dorset donated money and held events to support the Stefan Appeal when it was first launched.
Funds can be paid to the Stefan Savic Appeal at Lloyds TSB, account number 11259160, sort code 30-11-75.
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