LITTLE Lauren Brett nominated her cousin for a special Christmas treat.

And due to her thoughtfulness she will accompany him next week on a trip of a lifetime -- to meet Santa.

Lauren nominated her cousin Joshua Shields as soon as she heard of an appeal for special youngsters who deserved a festive surprise.

But she never dreamt that by nominating Joshua, aged seven, she too would be invited to join the VIP list of young guests.

Joshua, from Great Lever, a pupil of Bishop Bridgeman School, was born with part of his arm missing, but has always amazed everyone with his bright outlook on life.

He and Lauren, aged 10, have always been close pals and are very excited about their trip.

Lauren, from Smithills, a pupil at Church Road Primary School, and Joshua will be accompanied on the day out by Lauren's mother Katrina Brett, aged 35.

Katrina, who also has a 15-year-old son Nathan, said: "We are all really excited and the kids are counting the days until we go.

"It was lovely of Lauren to think of Joshua when she heard about the trip, but that's the kind of girl she is, always thinking about other people."

Joshua's mother Kim Shields would have loved to have join in the fun, but has two other children to keep her hands full at home.

She said: "It was a great surprise for Joshua to find out Lauren had done something so thoughtful.

"Joshua being born with part of his arm missing has never proved a problem for him.

"He wears a prosthesis and just gets on with it like any other kid."

A group of 12 deserving youngsters will be part of the 74-strong Bolton party heading off to Lapland from Manchester Airport thanks to the fund-raising efforts of Alison Power and her sister-in-law, Mandy Heron.

The trip had seemed in jeopardy last week after it was discovered not enough places had been booked, but fortunately the tour operator saved the day and found a larger plane to accommodate everybody.

Ben reporter Jane Bullock will join the Bolton children on the Lapland trip. See the BEN next week for a special report.