AN inspirational eight-year-old from Stockton Heath was invited to Downing Street to switch on the Christmas lights yesterday, Thursday.

Ted McCaffery, who is a fundraising ambassador for Alder Hey Children's Hospital, had no idea what was set to take place until his taxi pulled up for his appointment with Prime Minister David Cameron.

Shortly after arriving Mr Cameron presented the Grange Junior School pupil with a Point of Light award in recognition of his fundraising achievements and the adversity that he has had to overcome to accomplish them, before asking Ted to turn on the lights.

Ted began fundraising for Alder Hey after undergoing lifesaving open heart surgery in May 2013.

Initially he wanted to raise enough money to replace a broken television at the hospital but has since gone on to help raise more than £20,000 – and is as determined as ever to continue helping those in need.

Earlier this year Ted received the Independent on Sunday's happy list award during the annual Just Giving prize ceremony.