TV GLADIATOR Rocket delivered a knockout birthday surprise to five-year-old Natasha Thomas who is fighting her own battle against leukaemia.

Natasha could not believe it when Rocket asked her to join her on stage at Colne Municipal Hall at the end of the evening's performance of the panto Aladdin on Saturday.

Rocket then gave the brave youngster a further boost by handing over a birthday present of a Tiny Tim doll.

Natasha, of Temple Street, Colne, and her brother Jayson were taken to the panto, in which Rocket plays the spirit of the ring, by their grandmother Robina Williams as a treat for her fifth birthday which was on Saturday.

What Natasha, a pupil at Christ Church Primary School, Colne, did not know was that her grandma had also arranged for Rocket to deliver a surprise present. Natasha's mum, Gayle Williams, said: "She didn't have a clue what was going to happen. She thought it was absolutely brilliant.

"At the end Rocket asked Natasha to go up on stage and she presented her with the present.

"Afterwards she met Rocket in her dressing room and she got a signed pair of Gladiator-type gloves and a year's free membership to Rocket's fan club.

They had a chat together and Rocket told her to let her know how she goes on.

"She said there was a chance Natasha might be able to go and see Gladiators being made.

Natasha, who was diagnosed with leukaemia last April, faces a further 16 months of chemotherapy at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

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