Bradley Lowery's sixth birthday is a 'huge milestone'

Bradley's favourite footballer Jemain Defoe has arrived at his 6th Birthday party.

Preparations are well underway for Bradley Lowery's birthday party. Bradley, from County Durham, turned six this week and is celebrating with a big party this evening.

It was his ambition to reach his 6th birthday and there are celebrations in Newcastle's RVI as Bradley Lowery's family enjoy a special tea party to celebrate his big day.

Bradley has to stay in hospital because he's on anti-biotics as his terminal cancer continues to progress.

But his family say it won't make any difference to their happiness tonight.

Thousands of birthday messages have been sent from across the world via the hashtag Happy Birthday Brad.

His mother Gemma told ITV Tyne Tees she and his dad just hoped he would reach this milestone birthday - and it's been worth the wait.

Rachel Bullock reports.

Bradley Lowery from Blackhall is today celebrating his sixth birthday.

Bradley has captured the hearts of not only the North East but the whole world.

He has a rare form of childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma.

Bradley received 315,000 Christmas cards after an appeal went global - and this time, well-wishers were asked not to send a birthday card but to leave him a message online, and if they want, to donate the price of a card.

He has this message for everyone who took time out of their day to wish him happy birthday.