By Mike Lloyd For BBC News Online

Perthshire youngster Stephen Aitken is off to Discovery Cove in Florida in October to swim with the dolphins.

Not unusual, perhaps, for thousands of holidaying children - but 13-year-old Stephen, who has cerebral palsy, thinks it is a dream come true.

"It's just something he's always been fascinated with," said his sister Debbie Taylor, who has been the driving force, raising �4,000 for the trip.

The money has been found thanks to the generosity of customers at Meadow Inn, Crieff, where Debbie works.

Disco dancing at the Meadow Inn

Debbie said Stephen spends a lot of time watching television because of his condition and is keen on nature programmes.

She got the idea for the Florida trip after hearing that many people who have disabled children find contact with dolphins therapeutic.

"I've been told it is amazing, the feeling a disabled kid gets from swimming with the dolphins," she said.

"The interaction between them and the dolphins is immense."

Trained staff and specially adapted equipment will be on hand to help Stephen get the most from the experience.

His trip will take in other attractions such as Disneyworld and Busch Gardens - a cross between a zoo and a theme park.

Debbie said she has been given free tickets to Busch Gardens by a man who works for the company which owns the tourist attraction.

Debbie's mother and sister, who is also disabled, will be travelling alongside Stephen.

"My mum couldn't cope on her own," Debbie said.

Expensive

It is a costly trip and normally would have been well outside the family's means.

But luckily for Debbie, regulars in Crieff's Meadow Inn came to the rescue.

"The customers are so generous it's unbelievable," said landlord Davy Spiers.

"We've held Quiz nights, put a bottle on the bar and had a Fun Day which Stephen came along to himself."

Davy said he was always up for helping out.

He said: "If someone comes along and says will you do this or that, I take it on and the customers are happy to put their hands in their pockets."

So the people of Crieff are a kind hearted lot?

"I think you could say so!," said Davy.