A caring Mansfield family threw a big surprise party to celebrate a day they thought they would never see — their brave son’s 10th birthday.

George Eden-Taylor was born 12 weeks prematurely and weighed just 2lbs 7ozs (1.1kg) at Nottingham City Hospital’s maternity unit.

He now suffers from athetoid cerebral palsy, which affects both his motor skills and co-ordination, but George has a normal IQ.

His battling qualities have led to local people staging many fundraising events over the years to help George, his family and Fountaindale School, where the youngster attends.

His mum, Natasha Eden-Taylor, said the Stars Wars-themed birthday was a milestone they had prayed for.

“We decided to hold the party to say thank you to everyone who has been in our lives over the past 10 years,” she said.

“George has been through so many battles. We nearly lost him almost every year and 2015 was no exception.

“So our big boy turned 10 on 16th January and we threw him a surprise party. It wasn’t just any party though, it was also a huge thank you to many people, old friends, family and new friends.

“We have been through so much over the last 10 years and we do not know what the future holds for George.”

The party at Rainworth Village Hall included appearances by Storm Troopers and an Ewok from Star Wars, courtesy of Stars Wars costuming events company The UK Garrison, which is more used to attending conventions and red-carpet events.

George Eden-Taylor is pictured with his parents, Shaun and Natasha, and sister, Ebonie, meeting some of the Star Wars-themed visitors at his surprise birthday party.