WHEN little Arthur Cash's family asked Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, the charity that grants wishes to children living with life-threatening illnesses, to organise his dream birthday party, they knew he'd like to arrive in style.

So Make-A-Wish asked Scotthall Hampshire BMW to arrange for the four-year-old, who has neuroblastoma, a form of cancer, to be chauffeur-driven to the event in a Mini Cooper S.

Jenny Baillie, Mini sales and marketing manager at the Chandler's Ford dealership, was delighted to transport Arthur - dressed as Captain Hook - to the pirates and princesses themed event.

"Arthur didn't know about the car so was very surprised when it turned up,'' said Jenny. "We took a special edition Mini Cooper S so I guess it was the next best thing to arriving in a pirate ship. The party looked wonderful.''

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that affects the nerve cells.

The illness had led to Arthur, from Andover, spending his third birthday in hospital and family and friends wanted to make sure his fourth birthday was extra special.

Arthur arrived at Hurstbourne Priors Village Hall with parents Michael and Victoria and brothers Sebastian, six, and one-year-old Jude to be greeted by dozens of family, friends and Make-A-Wish volunteers dressed in full costume.

Shirley-based cake shop The Cake Lady provided a pirate-themed cake and there were games, entertainers and a special visit from Make-A-Wish mascot Captain Wishbone.

Arthur's surprise present was his own electric Mini Cooper donated by makers Berchet UK.

Mum Victoria said: "Arthur said it was the best birthday party ever.''

Make-A-Wish Foundation UK is the leading UK wish-granting charity, with one simple aim - to turn the wishes of children aged three to 18 living with life-threatening illnesses into reality.

With the help of more than 800 volunteers, corporate, celebrity and individual sponsors around the country, Make-A-Wish has granted 3,500 wishes since it was founded in 1986.

It is currently granting more than ten magical wishes a week.

Originally founded in America, Make-A-Wish Foundation is now established in 32 countries on five continents.