LITTLE Chelsea Noone went on a shopping spree at Harrods - using Mr Mohammed Al Fayed's credit card!

The controversial owner of the most famous store in London had invited Radcliffe girl Chelsea to meet him at Harrods after hearing of her battle against leukaemia.

Eight-year-old Chelsea and her mother Trish, of Alma Street, and Mrs Yvonne Wright, who organised the trip, travelled first-class on Virgin Trains.

Chelsea is to undergo a bone marrow transplant operation at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital on May 28.

Mrs Wright, chairman of Bolton Street Business Club in Bury, told Mr Al Fayed about Chelsea's plight when she asked him to donate a tie for a charity auction to raise money for a holiday for the child and her family.

She said: "It was very exciting. We travelled down in style and it was Chelsea's first visit to London, which made it very special."

After arriving at the store on Monday Chelsea was taken to meet Mr Al Fayed in the boardroom. Mrs Noone said she was surprised at how down-to-earth he was. "He was very friendly and welcoming. He knew quite a bit about leukaemia and really made us feel at home. He was very open and even talked about his appeal for British citizenship."

His application had been turned down last week.

She added: "Chelsea was also very excited about meeting this very famous person who made her feel very special."

The memorable meeting was not the only treat in store for Chelsea.

Mr Al Fayed gave her some Fulham FC souvenirs and sent her on a shopping spree in the store with his credit card!

Said Mrs Noone: "Just as we were leaving, Mr Al Fayed looked down at Chelsea's shoes and told us to go and buy clothes and shoes and other things that she would need for her hospital stay later this month."

"It was amazing. Mr Al Fayed's assistants waited on Chelsea hand-and-foot and we did not have to think about price-tags."

After spending more than £200, and enjoying lunch in the store's restaurant, Chelsea returned home with bags full of shopping.

"It was a fantastic day - one we will never forget. I am very grateful for Mr Al Fayed's generosity and to Mrs Wright and the business club for all their help," added Mrs Noone. "I just hope Chelsea does not expect that kind of treatment all the time!"

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