BRAVE little Rhys Turner has battled a rare cancer for two years, enduring treatment after treatment with barely a complaint.

But yesterday his illness was forgotten – and a huge smile spread across his face – as he took off on the treat of a lifetime, a flight over the legendary Hogwarts Castle in a helicopter.

Rhys, who is seven and lives at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, suffers from retinablastoma, cancer of the eye, which was diagnosed when he was only five.

He has undergone a number of different treatments and experts in Birmingham recently started him on a new form of inter-arterial chemotherapy.

However, the inspirational way he has coped with the problems so impressed nursing staff that they nominated him for a Braveheart award.

Unfortunately, he was too ill to attend the ceremony, but yesterday he was well enough to be presented with his award, and at the same time enjoy his gift from the charity – a magical Harry Potter ride in a helicopter.

With mother, Claire, and father, Ross – a serving soldier recently back from Afghanistan – he was whisked into the air from Newcastle airport, courtesy of Northumbria Helicopters on a flight to remember.

During the 90-minute ride, he flew low over the ramparts of Alnwick Castle – Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films – flew along the spectacular coastline and even enjoyed a bird’s eye view of Newcastle United’s stadium.

“It was absolutely fantastic. Rhys was delighted with every second of the trip,” said Mrs Turner once they were back on the ground again.

“He has always wanted to fly in a helcopter, but when we told him about the award and the trip I don’t think he really believed it.

“But when he arrived here and saw the helicopter, his face just lit up and he hasn’t stopped smiling since.”

She added: “Despite all he’s been through he’s still a happy little lad, but this has been absolutely magical for him. It really has been a dream come true.”

Bravehearts is a North-East based charity that is dedicated to helping sick children across the region.