A group of terminally and seriously ill youngsters were given the chance to meet their football heroes during a Chelsea FC community day.

The 15 children and their carers watched Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti put the first team through their paces at the club's training ground in Stoke D'Abernon.

Afterwards, the players posed for photos and signed autographs for the kids.

One them, 12-year-old Luke Copsey, who has cystic fibrosis, said: "We watched the team train and it's been very good. The highlight was getting pictures with the manager and players."

Mr Copsey, who is a budding midfielder, added his favourite player was Frank Lampard.

His father Tim said: "I contacted Chelsea and asked if they could do anything, he's a massive fan and it would make his day.

"Luke has had a lot of trials in his life and deserves a treat, so I contacted the club and found out about the community day and it's marvellous, absolutely brilliant."

Chelsea's number eight proved to be a popular man, as five-year-old Miles Davis, who suffered from a brain tumour, also picked Frank Lampard as his favourite player.

His mother Cheryl said the day was as much a treat for the adults as for the kids.

She said: "It's been brilliant and it's just nice to see Miles smile. As a parent it gives you a boost after what the kids have been through.

"When Miles first went in with his brain tumour, some friends of ours wrote to Chelsea and asked if he could meet Frank Lampard.

"Miles has had six months of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and he's just at the end, so this has come at a fantastic time for him - it's a real boost."