A baby was the guest of honour at a carol concert with a charitable theme.

Nine month old Kyle Sheekey was at the TAD Centre's Christmas Carol Service last night, along with Councillor Kath Bevington, the Mayor of Middlesbrough, local schoolchildren and members of the community.

He was invited to attend the event with his parents Martin and Marie after he fought back from meningitis, which he contracted at only three months old.

Thanks to the expertise of staff at South Cleveland Hospital, where he spent 24 hours in intensive care, he made a full recovery.

To show his appreciation, Mr Sheekey linked up with the Meningitis Trust to sell badges at the TAD Centre, in Middlesbrough, where he works as head chef.

Last night, he received a cheque on behalf of the trust, for the amount raised by the sales.

The father-of-three, said: "Kyle became ill in March or April and was taken into hospital straight away. Within two hours, he became really poorly. They told us that the next 24 hours were crucial. It was very frightening.

"Thankfully, the doctor recognised the symptoms of meningitis and gave him an injection, which I believe saved his life."

Mr Sheekey, of Saltersgill, thought his firm's annual Christmas charity drive would be the ideal opportunity to show his gratitude.

He said: "After what happened to Kyle, I thought it would be nice to do something for the Meningitis Trust.

"We managed to raise £300, which seems the ideal gesture of goodwill.