A MAGICAL trip to Lapland was the perfect start to the festive season for two of Bolton's most deserving youngsters.

Six-year-olds, Jacob Bleasdale and Phoebe Iddon, took a special flight to the home of Father Christmas after being nominated for their bravery.

Both children suffer from serious medical conditions and were put forward for the trip because of the way in which they deal with their problems.

And they were joined by some special guests who took time out from the cobbles of Coronation Street.

The trip was organised by the When You Wish Upon Star charity, which makes the dreams of poorly children come true. Jacob, from Horwich, was born with the rare genetic condition Sturge Weber Syndrome.

The illness causes epilepsy and the eye condition glaucoma. He is under the care of various hospitals and his bravery led to a community nurse putting him forward for the once in a lifetime trip.

Jacob's mum, Christine said: "The trip was magical, there is no other way to describe it. The television stars were fantastic.

"Jacob is a very brave lad and despite everything he has to cope with he has a big personality.

"He told all his friends at Horwich Parish Primary about his trip and showed them photographs from his reindeer driving lesson."

Jacob said: "I enjoyed everything especially playing in the snow in the forest. It was fantastic day."

Phoebe, from Eagley, has had diabetes since the age of two. Her name was put forward by the diabetes medical team at Royal Bolton Hospital.

Her mum Vicky said: "This charity works so hard for these children who go through quite a lot.

"To see them all with Father Christmas and smiling and having a good time was just wonderful. I had a wonderful time, and felt like a child again. You couldn't help but get into the spirit of it all."

Phoebe, who attends Eagley Infants School said she told Santa what she wanted for Christmas.

"I told him I wanted hair dye. It was the perfect start to Christmas, and I made many friends. It was just magical."

The two children were part of a 90-strong group on a day-long visit.

They enjoyed huskie and reindeer sledging, and of course a meeting with Father Christmas.

The youngsters also met up with television stars, including Coronation Street's Katherine Kelly who plays Becky Grainger, and Charlie Condou who plays Marcus Dent, along with Heather Peace who has starred in ITV1's Ultimate Force and BBC drama The Chase.