A 14-YEAR-old boy fractured his skull and jaw, broke his nose and is left facing ten years of costly dental work after a birthday treat turned into a nightmare at a holiday park in Portugal.

Tytherington High School pupil Josh Williamson lost THREE front teeth and suffered serious head injuries after he crashed face-down on the monster white-knuckle waterslide at the popular Slide and Splash in Lagoa on the Algarve.

The boy may even have to have a steel plate inserted into his mouth as a result of the accident on the 300ft long labyrinth ridden in the dark called "The Black Hole".

Last night a spokesman from the water park claimed the ride was closed at the time but admitted that the entrance was open.

Manager Carlos Santinha said: "Since this incident, we have put something blocking the entrance."

Josh had accompanied his best mate Jordan Ruscoe, 12, his mum Karen, and her cousin Jo on a two-week trip to a caravan holiday leaving his parents Claire and Shaun and his younger brother McCauley, 11, and four-year-old sister Macey back in Bollington Road, Bollington.

It was during a day outing to the park when the accident happened after Josh and his pal joined others on the "extreme" ride. His parents instantly caught a plane out to Portugal and brought their son home four days later. He was still off school this week recovering from his ordeal.

Josh said: "Me and my friend went down the slide on a rubber ring. The water stopped and we got stuck halfway down.

"I was worried that someone else might be on their way down the slide and crash into the back of us, so I walked back up the tube to warn people.

"When I got near the top, the water started again, and I slipped and fell flat on my face."

His mum Claire, who ended up shelling out £1,000 return flight for her and her husband, said: "He has been having nightmares because of the dark tunnel. Now, our doctor has said he might have to have a plate put in his face and ten years of medical treatment."

She said the family was considering take legal action but needed help to deal with Portugese law and the language.

"We think the water park is responsible for this and should pay for the dental and medical costs. We haven't even had an apology. We would really appreciate it if anyone could contact us about this and help us."

Carlos Santinha said: "The water slide was closed and the boy went on it without permission. There are two entrances to the ride, and one was closed. There was no water in the pool at the entrance which was closed."

He admitted it was not blocked off to the public and there was not a sign.