A BOY who battled a brain tumour has been mixing with Pop Idol stars, thanks to a charity that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

Thomas Yates, aged five, of Tunbridge Close in Great Sankey, enjoyed a fun-packed day at Alton Towers, which was organised by Make-A-Wish Foundation UK.

As part of the package, Thomas got to meet Michelle, Roxanne, Mark, Susanne, Sam, Chris and Andy from the popular TV talent show. The families on the trip were able to have a go on the rides at the theme park as well as enjoying lunch at the Alton Towers Hotel.

Thomas' mum Jennifer said: "Thomas had a really special day and now he is into Pop Idol.

"They actually showed a bit of the Alton Towers trip on the programme and there was a fleeting glimpse of him!"

Earlier this year, Make-A-Wish organised for Thomas to visit Disneyland Paris to meet Monsters Inc. Following this, Jennifer has decided to become a volunteer for the charity, and wants to encourage more people to get on board.

She said: "They are desperate for donations and volunteers, and I decided that I wanted to give something back to them."

To find out more about Make-A-Wish, you can contact Jennifer on 710179 or visit www.make-a-wish.org.uk.