Jonah, 5, meets his pop idols One Direction

Jonah Barclay, of Bloxwich, was given the chance to meet the chart-topping five, which includes Wolverhampton's Liam Payne.

Not only did the youngster get the chance to see the band perform their recent gig at Birmingham's LG Arena, he was one of a handful of people who got to sit in the front row and witness the sound checks beforehand.

Jonah was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in April 2010 and the visit was organised by charity Rays of Sunshine. After listening to One Dir-ection carry out their sound- checks and sing two of their hits, St Michael's Primary School pupil Jonah had his photograph taken with the band. He even stood next to his favourite, Zayn Malik.

Jonah was joined at the LG Arena by his father Paul and mother Emma, who today said: "Jonah had a really great time and really enjoyed the concert. He loved it and he is full of smiles whenever he speaks about it."

Jonah, who loves dancing around to One Direction songs and playing football, is an avid fan of the boy band.

"Whenever they are on the television, Jonah likes us to tape it so he can watch it again," said Mrs Barclay, who is also mother to 16-month-old Nate.

"Zayn is his favourite. The boys chatted to the small crowd who were watching them and then came down for photographs. They made Jonah feel very at ease.

"He had a wonderful time."

Mrs Barclay said Jonah was due to complete his treatment in November this year. He met his idols at the gig on Friday.