At last the agonising wait is over for little Frankie Bank, whose operation to remove his tonsils was postponed three times.

The Medway tot was diagnosed with severe tonsilitis when he was a baby, a condition which has worsened as the months have gone by.

Nearly two years later, he was still awaiting vital surgery at Medway Maritime Hospital – until the Medway Messenger made inquiries on behalf of his frustrated family last week.

After we highlighted his plight, an appointment was re-scheduled within 24 hours. Frankie, two, had the operation to have his tonsils and adenoids taken out on Thursday and is now back at his home in Grebe Close, Lower Stoke, making a full recovery.

Mum Kirsty Kistner, 26, said: “I was sceptical when I arrived with Frankie. It’s such a relief it is now all over and all we want now is for Frankie to get better.

“They told us that his adenoids were quite enlarged as well as his tonsils. No wonder he was in pain and having trouble breathing.”

Before the surgery, Ms Kistner revealed how the wait had taken its toll. "I daren't sleep at night because Frankie has difficulty breathing and I hear a loud noise and have to rush in with an asthma vaporiser. It is very scary."

A spokeswoman for the hospital said: “We apologise for the distress that has been caused to the family. Frankie’s admission has been urgently re-scheduled and will take place this week.”

Frankie’s dad David Bank, 30, who is separated from Miss Kistner, said: “I am obviously delighted the hospital has acted so quickly after the Messenger got in touch with them. But I don’t think any young child or family should have to go through what we have been through.”