AN Only Fools And Horses legend said he was happy to make a difference after he surprised an amazing little boy by rocking up at his home.

John Challis – best known for playing the role of Boycie in the hit-BBC comedy – spent the afternoon with Noah Wall, praising the boy’s spirit and sense of humour.

His Only Fools And Boycie show had stopped off at the Theatre Royal in Dumfries, so he decided to visit seven-year-old Noah, who lives near Wigton.

Noah shot into the limelight in August 2014, when hit-BBC show DIY SOS came to the rescue of the family. The cold, unfinished house was transformed by Nick Knowles and his team, who made the home more workable for the family.

Noah was born with only two per cent of his brain, but thankfully it has since grown to 80 per cent.

He also suffers from spina bifida, which means he is paralysed from the chest down and requires the use of a wheelchair.

John, who has been following Noah’s journey for several years, said: “I can go in for half an hour or an hour and I can make a difference to their lives.

“An awful lot of people (film and TV stars) do these things and it is something very valuable.

“If you can spread a bit of love around, it helps.”

The TV star has been following Noah’s journey for several years now.

“I had a show in Greenock first and then we came back to visit the Lakes. It is a wonderful part of the country.

“We thought we would have a look to see the work Noah has done, it is really great.”

From birth Noah has defied doctors with his progress, ever since they advised a termination during mum Shelly’s pregnancy.

He is now able to sit up, count and speak.

Following his challenges he has embarked on a campaign to raise awareness of the condition and help raise aspirations of children in similar situations.

According to Shelly, John has taken a real interest in her son after hearing their story on DIY SOS.

“He started following us, retweeting things, helping to raise awareness,” she explained.

“He has sent birthday videos. He is a lovely, very genuine person.

“I update him via email sometimes. He will ask if we are nearby when he is around the country.

“He was really interested and was saying how amazing the house is to get around.

“He was interested in how he is doing and how he is progressing. He was saying how Noah has come on amazingly well.”

John brought along Sooty and Sweep toys, as he has recently appeared in the puppets’ show.

To follow Noah, see the Instagram feeds at @hugsforNoah.