A seven-year-old boy from Saltash has been presented with the Cancer Research UK and TK Maxx Little Star Award for Bravery in Devon and Cornwall.

Louie Perkin, who attends Burraton Primary School, received a big surprise during morning assembly on Tuesday when he was called to the front and told he had received a special award for being so brave while undergoing treatment for leukaemia. At one stage he had been given only four days to live. He has also had to learn to walk again.

Louie received a certificate signed by sports stars and celebrities such as footballer Stephen Gerrard, singer Leona Lewis, and actors from the Harry Potter films. He was also given his star, a teddy bear and a gift voucher.

There was a further surprise when he was told he will be going to London Zoo for a special celebration where he will meet celebrities.

Joint headteachers Lisa Tamblyn and Martin Bell praised Louie's courage.

His illness has caused Louie to lose some of his sight and he has been having lessons in Braille.

Elizabeth Knight, Louie's mother, said his treatment, which began when he was just three, finished in November.