A YOUNG patient met a celebrity couple as he helped launch a major development at a hospital which has cared for him for more than a decade.

Edward Benton, from Leigh, has been treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London, since he was just 13 months old.

As a baby, he had emergency surgery on his arm after contracting meningitis and osteomyelitis – an infection inside the bone.

Now 12, Edward was one of the guests of honour at the start of building work on a new medical facility at the children’s hospital, along with showbiz couple Tess Daly and husband Vernon Kay.

Tess Daly said it was an honour to meet the youngster.

Edward’s mum, Claire, said: “Edward was thrilled to meet Tess and Vernon and to be able to mark this special occasion. We’re delighted the new building will make a difference to more patients and families like us.”

Since his time in the hospital as a tot, Edward has had more surgery to reconstruct his jaw, using two of his ribs, and has also received treatment to lengthen his arm.

He now visits the hospital twice a year as an outpatient.

The youngster, along with Vernon and Tess, marked the start of construction of the Premier Inn Clinical Building, a facility to be built at the Mittal Children’s Medical Centre, in the hospital’s grounds.

It is due to open in 2017.

Tess said: “It’s such an honour to meet Edward.

“Hearing the huge difference the modern, spacious wards can make to families going through such difficult times shows how important this day is.”

Once complete, it is anticipated that the hospital will be able to treat up to 20 per cent more children with the most complex, rare and often life-threatening conditions – like Edward.

Patients were asked to come along to the launch of development works, called the Breaking Ground ceremony.