A local nine-year-old boy is one of three children set to receive a bionic arm as part of an annual fundraising initiative. 

Caleb Hughes from Stoke-on-Trent, was selected to benefit from The Open Bionics Foundation's Big Hero 3 fundraiser, which aims to raise money for multi-grip upper limb prosthetics for three children. 

The funds for two of the three bionic arms, each costing around £20,000, have been secured through donations from The Open Bionics Foundation, The Worshipful Company of The Glovers and an anonymous donor. 

The families of the three children, including Caleb's parents Samantha Hughes, 32, and Robert Wilson, 38, are now working together to raise the final £20,000 through a GoFundMe campaign. 

They are aiming to raise the funds by mid-November so that all three children can get their 'hero arms' by Christmas. 

Caleb enjoys riding his bike and scooter, as well as helping to make dinner (images via Samantha Hughes)

Caleb's mum, Samantha, said: "This will have a huge impact on his day-to-day life. 

"He likes to play archery so it would be great for him to be able to hold the bow. He also likes riding his scooter to school every morning and as much as he can do it, he is quite unbalanced and falls off easily. 

"This really would be life-changing for the kids. It's going to give them that confidence, which is such an amazing thing." 

Caleb's parents discovered that he had a limb difference at his 12-week scan, but doctors were unable explain why his hand and part of his forearm were missing. 

Caleb's parents discovered that he had a limb difference at his 12-week scan (image via Samantha Hughes)

The family found out about the Big Hero 3 project after attending an activity day ran by the LimbBo Foundation, a group that supports children with limb differences and their families. 

Caleb and his family registered their interest with The Open Bionics Foundation but had to remain on a waiting list until his arm had grown enough for the prosthetic. 

The family is now hoping that Caleb will receive his bionic arm by Christmas, which can be adjusted throughout his life to grow with him. 

Samantha added: "Caleb is super excited. He said he can't wait to get his hero arm so he can be part Iron Man. 

"He's my own little superhero." 

The other children set to benefit from the fundraiser are eight-year-old Imogen from Tyne and Wear, and nine-year-old Lennon from Huddersfield, with all donations being split equally between them. 

To donate to the fundraiser, visit the Big Hero 3 GoFundMe here.