A YATE teenager with terminal cancer was treated to a surprise prom this week, courtesy of his best friends.

Thirteen-year-old Alex McCarthy was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma, a fast growing aggressive brain tumour, a year ago.

This September, doctors gave him the devastating news that his condition was terminal. They don’t know for certain how long he’s got, but they have said it’s months and not years.

Now, the Yate Academy pupil is determined to enjoy what time he has left. Along with his younger siblings Ryan, 11, and Ciara, eight, and his mum Rebecca Watts, he has put together a bucket list of things they can do together to create some happy lasting memories.

But Tuesday evening’s prom was something he hadn’t even thought of doing, and came completely out the blue for the youngster.

By means of a blindfold, the friends of Alex who had organised the special night kept their guest of honour in the dark until the last possible moment.

He arrived at school in a limo and then his blindfold was removed and all was revealed. He was welcomed by a guard of honour, and greeted with cheers and claps.

The whole of Year 9 joined in the fun, which included a disco, food and a photo booth.

Speeches were given by close friends and Alex was crowned prom king, and Starr Wynne, one of his best friends, was crowned prom queen.

The night ended with Alex being presented with a signed Bristol Rovers shirt, from all students and staff at Yate Academy.

The school has also set up a crowdfunding page - justgiving. com/crowdfunding/bucketlistforalex - to help support Alex and raise money to allow him to do the things on his bucket list.

A number of fundraising events have been hosted at the academy too, including a charity football match and a Wear a Hat for Alex Day, as Alex is often known as the ‘boy in the hat’.

Over the next couple of weeks, Alex hopes to visit 10 Downing Street, go bowling with his family and take a trip to the cinema to see Star Wars the Last Jedi.