Five incredible children with life-threatening illnesses were transformed into Manchester’s favourite superheroes for the day.

The youngsters travelled from Old Trafford cricket ground on board their very own trucks, with Optimus Prime, a Beater Bee and a fire engine, to made a grand entrance into Albert Square in front of hundreds of excited people.

Incredible costumes transformed Emma Payton, 10, from Gatley in Stockport to Supergirl, Harley Renshaw six, from Stretford, into Captain America, Luke Chapman, nine, from Romiley, Stockport was Ironman, Niamh Brown, 10, from Tameside, was Violet from The Incredibles and Ollie Carrollfive, from Poynton, Cheshire, was Spiderman.

Superheroes Emma Payton, Niamh Brown, Ollie Carroll with dad, Harley Renshaw and Luke Chapman

Once in Albert Square the youngsters had to join forces to rescue Key 103 presenter Mike Toolan and the wish fairy, Sam Farmer, from charity When You Wish Upon A Star from the clutches of evil - in the form of Darth Vader and the stormtroopers.

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And in true superhero style, good overcame evil.

The day was organised by Key 103’s Cash For Kids with the charity - which grants wishes to youngsters with life-threatening illnesses.

Emma Payton and The Incredible Hulk

Emma’s dad, Phil Payton, said it had been an incredible day for everyone.

He said: “We are all here on behalf of When You Wish Upon A Star which is a fantastic charity who do a lot, and have done a lot for our kids and hopefully will do for many more in the future.

“They are all having a blast and definitely a day they will remember for a long time.”

As well as creating an unforgettable day for five special children, the people of Greater Manchester raised a staggering £100k to help more children have their wishes granted.

Cheering on the Superheroes

Russell Feingold, manager for Key 103’s Cash For Kids charity said: “It’s really amazing that Greater Manchester has come out to support superhero day with more than £100k, so we can grant even more wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses. It’s been absolutely incredible, thank you Manchester.”

And city centre chief Pat Karney was on hand to ensure all was well in the square.

He said: “These are super kids and make you think about what is important in the world, and they are a great inspiration to every one of us.”

Ollie Carroll with his dad in Albert Square

The superheros:

  • Emma Payton, 10, from Gatley in Stockport was Supergirl. She had a rare tumour in her cheek and had to had chemotherapy and a nine hour operation to remove it.
  • Harley Renshaw, six, from Stretford, was Captain America. He was diagnosed with childhood cancer, neuroblastoma, when he was just four.
  • Luke Chapman, nine, from Romiley, Stockport was Ironman. Since birth he has had several heart surgeries due to having complex congenital heart defects.
  • Niamh Brown, 10, from Tameside, was Violet from The Incredibles. She had a tumour the size of an orange in her ovary and since had several years of treatment and medication.
  • Ollie Carroll, five, from Poynton, Cheshire, was Spiderman. He was as diagnosed with Batten Disease last year. The condition will eventually leave him blind, unable to walk and not even be able to eat.
Spiderman on Deansgate