A COURAGEOUS young boy who has survived cancer played a starring role at a party held to salute the courage of children coping with the disease.

Five-year-old William Lancaster, from Brentwood, was a guest of honour at the Little Star Awards party, held by Cancer Research UK and TK Maxx.

William was one of 21 children from across the UK who came together as ambassadors to represent the 390 children who received Little Star Awards in 2011/12.

The youngster met a host of celebrities including singer Lemar and TV presenters Zoe Salmon and Konnie Huq.

The party, on May 26 at London Zoo, was organised by Cancer Research UK to help raise awareness of the charity’s work in the field of childhood cancer research.

William was diagnosed with Burkitts Lymphoma in July 2012.

He developed severe complications and was taken to intensive care where his family was told to expect the worst. Four days later he was placed on extreme chemotherapy and despite his prognosis has pulled through and is now a year in remission.

William was at the party with his sisters Olivia, ten, and Isabelle, two, mum Sally and Dad Justin.