A young Bradford boy who has coped with cancer attended a special event at London Zoo to salute the courage of children who are diagnosed with the disease.

Three-year-old Reece Randle was a guest of honour at the Little Star Awards party, held by Cancer Research UK and retailer TK Maxx.

Reece was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in September 2007 and has undergone chemotherapy, eight courses of radiation therapy and a bone marrow transplant in the last 18 months. He is now doing well.

He met celebrities, including former X-Factor finalists Same Difference, pop star Lil’ Chris, TV presenters Michael Underwood and Angelica Bell and Britain’s Got Talent contestant Gareth Oliver, and later enjoyed an afternoon at the zoo with his family.

He was one of 25 children from across the UK who came together as ‘ambassadors’ to represent the 300 children who received Little Star Awards in 2008/9.

Colin Nesbitt, Reece’s carer, said: “Reece had a great time at the party at London Zoo.

“It was a fantastic experience and memory.

“I know that due to his condition we may only have a few years with Reece, but the Little Star Award will be a memory that will live on throughout my life. I’d like to thank everyone who organised the event and helped turn it into a great day for me and my family.”

Susanne Given, managing director for TK Maxx, said: “It is incredibly important to us to raise funds and support the work of Cancer Research UK, as well as recognise the courage of all children diagnosed with cancer and the advances being made in research and treatment.”

The Cancer Research UK Little Star Awards, in partnership with TK Maxx, are open to all under-17s who have cancer or have been treated for the disease in the last five years.

There is no judging panel because Cancer Research UK and TK Maxx believe that every child who confronts cancer is extra special.

The Little Star Awards will be opening for nominations once more in November.

For more information about the Together For Kids Fund visit cancerresearchuk.org/littlestar e-mail: claire.lomax@telegraphandargus.co.uk