A BRAVE teenager who underwent two kidney transplants was given a festive present he will never forget: a meeting with his idol, Tony Blair.

Fourteen-year-old William Ackerley enjoyed tea with Cherie Blair, was given a tour of Number 10 Downing Street and shook hands with the Prime Minister.

The visit was arranged by Bury South MP Ivan Lewis after William was nominated by his school, Parrenthorn High, along with two other local youngsters.

His mum, Dawn, said: "William really deserved this trip and he had a great time. We had tea with Cherie, who was lovely. As a mother, she was very understanding and Tony Blair popped in briefly to say hello. William was delighted to go to Downing Street as he is a big fan of Tony Blair. It was such an honour for him."

The sports-mad teenager, who lives in Rectory Lane with his mum and sister Emma (10), was struck down with renal failure in March 2002 after contracting an infection.

Tests revealed he had only one kidney, which was a shock to the family, and he needed a kidney transplant or faced lengthy periods on dialysis.

After six months of dialysis, three times a day, a kidney was found and the transplant took place at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in Pendlebury.

The operation posed some problems and William suffered a blood clot which meant the transplant was unsuccessful.

His second transplant in October, 2002, was successful and William went on to make a full recovery, even winning a bronze medal at the transplant games this year for badminton.

Since the operation, William, who plays football for Drinkwater Warriors, has tried to miss as little school as possible and loves history.

He was rewarded for his determination at Parrenthorn's recent prize-giving by receiving the Butters Bowl for courage and he watched his favourite team, Manchester United, courtesy of the Wish Upon A Star charity.

Dawn said: "William has been marvellous and the school has helped so much. We had a lot of calls for us to go to hospital because they thought they had a kidney, and then we had to wait all day before we knew whether it was a match. Our whole life has been disrupted. After the first transplant, William was really ill and lost a lot of blood. We did wonder how he would come out of it."

Also included in the visit were Maria Haslam, a constant high achiever at Radcliffe High, and Katy Gilbert, of Philips High.

Wheelchair user Katy, who suffers from cerebral palsy, has amazed her teachers by overcoming her disability to attend mainstream school.

Mr Lewis said: "All three enjoyed their visit. It provided them with a wonderful experience and hopefully a day they will never forget. Katy especially was so keen to meet the Prime Minister that she shot off down the corridors to look for him until he eventually came out of a room to say hello."