THE guardian of the baby abandoned in a Portuguese car park says he has grown into a happy, smiling toddler.

A year has passed since the youngster was found dumped in his carrycot near Faro Airport.

Charlie or Carlos, as he is known in the Portuguese children's home where he is being cared for, was born with a harelip and cleft palate.

His parents, Katherine Penny and Mark Beddoes, flew back to Bournemouth on January 13, 2001, after dumping him, claiming they could not afford the operation he desperately needed.

Since then Charlie has undergone a series of operations to correct his condition and will be reassessed by doctors next month to establish whether he needs a further and final operation.

He has also celebrated his first birthday, grown five teeth and even learnt to walk.

Dr Luis Villas-Boas, who is based at the home in Portugal, said Charlie's future now lies in the hands of the courts.

"We are still waiting for the decision of the courts in Portugal and UK. It does seem a long time, but it could be worse. He is being taken care of and is recovering from his operations. He has five teeth on his upper side and is walking, smiling and playing.

"He is 15 months old and is a very normal boy, calm and happy. He spends quite a bit of time on his own playing with toys and is very spoilt."

He added: "I believe he is most likely to be adopted in Portugal but it is the courts' decision and not ours."

Police in England decided not to prosecute Charlie's parents but the couple could still be extradited to Portugal to be dealt with by courts there, where the maximum penalty for abandoning a child is eight years in prison.