Boy, 11, who battled leukaemia and raised £30k to turn on Downing Street Christmas lights

His mother Louise Smith, aged 33, will head to London with Joshua, who was pride of Birmingham winner last year after a long battle with leukaemia.

He was first diagnosed in 2007 when he was two years old, and underwent chemotherapy. But he had only been in remission for two years when the illness had suddenly came back.

He has since been given the all clear and despite a gruelling treatment regime at Birmingham's Children's Hospital, the youngster combines school and continues to raise money for where he was treated. More than £30,000 has been raised since Joshua was first diagnosed.

The family live in Bloomfield Road, Tipton and Joshua goes to St Paul's Academy.

Louise said: "I couldn't believe it when the letter was pushed through the door.

"It's not something you get every day and we had no idea it was going to happen.

"When I opened it it was amazing to get the invitation to go to Downing Street for the Christmas lights switch on and a reception.

"People having been coming up to me outside the school saying 'we can't believe you're going to Downing Street, we'd love to be able to go there'.

"It's something that you don't get a chance to do very often.

"It's amazing really.

"We're all so proud of Josh and how he's just got on with things and I'd like to thank the Prime Minister for the invitation."

She said Josh will be donning his smartest outfit for the event on December 10.

"Josh has got his proper suit and tie which he wore to the Pride of Birmingham so he'll be wearing that.

"I just need to get something sorted for myself."

Mr Cameron has previously named Joshua a point of light, an award recognising volunteers for their outstanding contribution to the community and he will now be among guests at the Christmas event at No.10.

Joshua, who is a big fan of Liverpool FC, tweeted: "Think I'll wear my @LFC scarf when I see @Number10gov #YNWA #excited #joshuabeatingcancer"