THE next best thing to being visited by Princess Diana must be receiving a signed leather bound photograph from her. Well, that was what happened to lucky six-year-old Lee Pedder of Morecambe who received the royal gift complete with a personal message from the queen of hearts and her two sons, Harry and William. Lee, of Hampton Road in the West End, had a brain tumour removed two years ago.

After a recent operation his grandmother Maureen Turner wrote off to Buckingham Palace hoping to receive a royal reply for her grandson.

"Dearest Lee, lots of love from Lady Diana." is the inscription underneath the photograph which is set in a beautiful black leather-bound frame.

The photograph was also accompanied with a note from the princess's assistant Victoria Mendham.

It read: This morning the Princess of Wales has heard from your grandmother that you are in hospital. Her Royal Highness sends you lots of love and she thought you might like to have the enclosed gift.

Lee, who goes to Sandyland's primary school and enjoys playing on his computer, said: "I was really surprised when I received the photograph, I must be a very special boy.

During his illness Lee spent much of his time at Manchester's Booth Hall children's hospital.

His Dad, Mark said: "We have spent a lot of time taking Lee to and from the hospital in Manchester because there are no facilities around here.

"I couldn't believe it when the postman arrived with a recorded delivery from Buckingham Palace. I was asked for ID before they handed it over."

Lee's Mum, Ruth said: "He was delighted when he received the photo. It's something that he can cherish and keep for when he's older.

"His grandmother has been writing off to all sorts of people so that Lee would receive lots of letters. She's also written off to Wolf from the Gladiators."

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