A SERIOUSLY ill teenager has been given the ride of a lifetime in the back of a police armed response unit.

Kieran Owen was diagnosed with a brain tumour a year ago after he started feeling ill, but his family is determined that he gets the most out of his life.

The 14-year-old's fighting spirit, coupled with his family's hard work, has led to him having a good time throughout his painful chemotherapy treatment.

His mother, Julie Collins, said: "He has been so wonderful - he has not complained once. I don't know how he does it, but I know I couldn't put up with the pain that he has gone through.

"All the family have been fantastic. We have rallied round and the amount of work that has gone into sorting out these treats for Kieran is amazing."

As well having a drive in the armed response unit, the teenager was taken to the road traffic headquarters of Cleveland Police, where he was able to check out all of the force's advanced crime-fighting equipment.

Kieran's brother-in-law, Shakeel Sharif, said: "Even though he is seriously ill, he never stops smiling. We just want him to have as much fun as possible - it is the least we can do."

The teenager has already been guest of honour at Manchester United's theatre of dreams, Old Trafford, and he visited Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium and met some of their star players.

His mother said: "We are all so proud of him, he will never let it get the better of him and he won't give up the fight."