A Weymouth schoolboy rubbed shoulders with The X Factor stars after a special invitation from the show's top brass.

Twelve-year-old Kai Moggeridge was among a group of youngsters who travelled to London to meet the contestants and watch them rehearse ahead of the live broadcast last Saturday.

The programme makers laid on the visit for children affected by brain tumours who are supported by The Brain Tumour Charity.

Budmouth College pupil Kai was diagnosed with a low grade glioneuronal tumour in June 2013, a week before his 11th birthday. From being a typical active boy who hardly had a day's illness, he had collapsed out of the blue.

He now has regular MRI scans to monitor the tumour and the most recent one showed it was stable.

Kai and mum, Tara, 44 were invited with seven other families to meet the stars and watch the dress rehearsal before Saturday night's live show.

'It was cool,” said Kai who lives in Weymouth with Tara, dad Ben, 40, and six-year-old sister Niamh.

Contestants including Lauren Platt, Ben Haenow and Stereo Kicks spent time chatting with the children, signing autographs and posing for pictures before taking to the stage at Fountain Studies for the dress rehearsal.

Ben - one of Simon Cowell's over-25s category - said: “It's an honour to have families from The Brain Tumour Charity here. What great kids - it was lovely to meet them.”

Tara even got her request granted for a hug from presenter Dermot O'Leary. “That was a bit tight!” he joked. He came over to meet the families during a break in rehearsals and praised The Brain Tumour Charity for “fighting the fight” against brain tumours.

“Support from The Brain Tumour Charity has been incredible,” said Tara.

“We've had a fantastic time today. I know I had my embarrassing mum moment hugging Dermot, but it was worth it!”

Elissa Coster, children and families worker for The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “It was an unforgettable experience for the children and families.

“We'd like to say a huge thank you to The X Factor team for the invitation and for making us all feel so welcome.”