A five-year-old from St Albans was given the VIP treatment at No 11 Downing Street.

Ayala Brooks, who has cerebral palsy, was among a group of 45 seriously ill youngsters invited by The Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne to the annual Christmas party held by the Starlight Children’s Foundation on Wednesday last week.

The party was themed on the children’s film Frozen and the state rooms at No 11 were transformed using baubles, tinsel, glitter bows and garlands in shades of blue, white and silver.

The party was opened by Pixie Lott and other special guests including Starlight Ambassadors Geri Halliwell and Nigel Marven, who brought along Esmeralda the giant tortoise, Strictly’s, Jake Wood and his partner Janette Manrara, members from McBusted, Professor Green, Ella Eyre and XFactor contestant Lauren Platt.

Ayala recently had her wish granted to swim with dolphins in August this year. As well as granting wishes, Starlight provides entertainment for poorly children in hospitals and hospices and for those undergoing treatment at home.

The Chancellor said: "The Starlight Children's Christmas Party at No 11 Downing Street is a highlight in our calendar and one that I look forward to every year. I am so pleased that we can host the party and brighten the lives of some very poorly children and their families.

"We are also very lucky to have the support of so many celebrities who make this day very special for our young guests. It has been wonderful for me to be able to spend time with some of these remarkable children."

The ex-Spice Girl and former Watford resident Geri Halliwell said: "This has been a very special day. This is one of my favourite parties to attend and it is a pleasure to meet such a remarkable group of young people and to hear all their stories. They have all been through so much so I hope they have all enjoyed today as much as I have."