IT IS another step on his road to recovery.

Twelve-year-old Nathan Hartley - one of four brothers from Romsey who suffer from a rare genetic disorder - will today return to school.

Doctors at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital last week agreed that Nathan could go back to Romsey School following his bone marrow transplant operation last year.

They judged his immune system was strong enough to cope with being surrounded by hundreds of pupils once again.

Speaking from the family home in Winchester Road, Nathan's father David said: "This is really the landmark event that shows that he is now well recovered from his bone marrow transplant.

"While it will still probably take another 18 months for his immune system to completely catch up it can now successfully defend him against most viruses."

He said that his son was looking forward to returning to Year 7 after spending only the first two weeks of the school year in lessons.

Since returning home from his transplant in December he has had a home tutor.

Mr Hartley said: "This means Nathan can get back to his mates and the breadth of subjects that he really enjoys,"

Nathan will start by attending lessons in the morning and will build up his timetable as he becomes stronger.

Elder brother Joshua, 14, is also a pupil at the Romsey School and he had a transplant in June 2004 thanks to being a perfect bone marrow match with mum Allison.

Ten-year-old Daniel, a pupil at Romsey Abbey CE Primary, also had a transplant five months later, this time from a mystery donor.

Another donor has been found for six-year-old Luke who is likely to have his operation next year.

All four Hartley brothers were diagnosed with the rare genetic condition known as X-Linked Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (XLP) or Duncan's syndrome in November 2003.

Around 400 boys worldwide have been diagnosed with the condition and without treatment it is unlikely they will make it through their teen years.

In September last year the family set up the XLP Research Trust charity to help provide funds to find a genetic cure for XLP.

For more information log on to www.xlpresearchtrust.org