When Joseph Miall was diagnosed with cerebral palsy aged two his parents feared he may never walk.

But not only has the brave lad managed that, he has now had his first kick boxing class.

Joseph has a form of the condition called diplegia which affects the leg muscles, leaving many children unable to walk unaided.

When Joseph’s parents, Frank and Nicola Miall, were given the news, they feared the worst.

Mr Miall, of East Street, Chatham, said: “We thought he might never walk or talk.”

“Joseph took his first steps and stood up by himself for the first time last year. So the kick boxing class was another milestone for him – a really proud moment” - Frank Miall

Determined Joseph, who took his first steps last year, relished the chance to try kick boxing.

The three-year-old watched brother George, seven, take part in classes at TKO Elite in Chatham and was keen to give it a go.

Mr Miall, a former professional kick boxer, said: “He wanted to follow in both his dad’s and his brother’s footsteps.

“He kept saying he want to do it. I wasn’t sure. I thought it might be too much for him.”

Despite his father’s worries, Joseph had no trouble when he got in the ring at the gym in Second Avenue, Chatham, with instructor Martina Jones.

Mr Miall, 35, said: “He did really well. He had a brilliant time.

“Joseph took his first steps and stood up by himself for the first time last year. So the kick boxing class was another milestone for him – a really proud moment.”

Joseph, who starts school at All Saints Primary School in September, was born two months premature and spent four weeks in the Oliver Fisher special care baby unit at Medway hospital.

He needs splints to help keep his legs straight and shoes to keep his feet flat.

His father added: “Joseph is really determined. He is so pleased when he achieves something, he wants to tell everyone ‘look what I can do’.

“He is such a happy little boy. He is always smiling.”