LITTLE Stefan Savic is returning to Weymouth for the first time since life-changing surgery on his face.

The young Bosnian boy is jetting into the UK on Wednesday for two days of check-ups at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

But he will also be visiting Weymouth with his mother Slavenka and his aunt Dzejna Milakovic, who acts as the family's interpreter, next Friday and stay for the weekend.

The visit comes after Dorset Echo readers raised more than £15,000 towards the cost of surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital to fulfil his dream of looking like every other boy.

Soldier Wayne Ingram, who led the Stefan Appeal, said: "Stefan is doing very well and looking forward to coming to Weymouth. It will be great to see him and we hope to take him out to places during the weekend."

Mr Ingram added: "Stefan has appointments at Great Ormond Street on the Thursday and Friday.

"He should come down to Weymouth after that and stay here until Monday."

Stefan, aged six, underwent major surgery last October to remove a large lump between his eyes, correct a facial cleft, move his eyes closer together, reconstruct his nose and cheekbones and improve his sight.

Mr Ingram, who is an army staff sergeant, launched the appeal after meeting Stefan on a tour of duty in Bosnia with the 9th/12th Royal Lancers Regiment.

Wellwishers in Dorset raised thousands of pounds in an incredible response to the appeal.

Fleetline Taxis boss Calvin Stone will transport Stefan and his family to Weymouth and pay for their stay in the resort at the end of this month.

He has suggested taking Stefan to the Great Dorset Steam Fair, but the youngsters may also go to Sharkys in Weymouth and watch a Terras football match at the Wessex Stadium.

Mr Ingram, who has been helping out at Westfield Technology College after a leg injury, is set to leave the army in December and hopes to join the ambulance service as a technician and paramedic.

He said: "We will see what is on at the weekend and where we can take Stefan.

"I last saw him at Christmas so I am really looking forward to seeing him again."