FIVE-YEAR-OLD Bradley Lowery enjoyed a day in the sunshine at the Grand National meeting at Aintree - even hitching a ride with winning jockey Derek Fox.

The youngster, of Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, is battling neuroblastoma, and has won the hearts of the nation, appearing as a mascot for his beloved Sunderland, and England alongside 'best mate', strike Jermain Defoe.

The organisers of the Grand National gave Bradley the honorary race number 41, and he was listed on the race card bearing the red and white colours of his favourite team.

His mother Gemma spoke to BBC radio, and said although Bradley was a little tired, he was having a great day, and had met the jockeys.

She said although he didn't know much about horse racing, being only five, he loves all animals, and had enjoyed seeing the horses.

Later, his family updated their Facebook page to say: "Bradley wasn't well first half of yesterday but he perked up later and had a brilliant day. 

"#randoxhealth #aintree #thejockyclub pulled out all the stops to make the day amazing, all the staff were fantastic and couldn't do enough for us.

"He got to meet some of the jockeys before the races, have his own little weigh in, and of course he met the winner of the Grand national at the end. This is an experience we will treasure forever." 

On Friday his family revealed his latest treatment has not worked as they had hoped.