THE Mail's amazing Christmas Stars 2017 were honoured with a spectacular party with panto stars, Santa, elves and other special guests.

All the deserving Christmas Stars nominees have shown great bravery and selflessness, and they were the VIP guests at a party at The Forum, in Barrow, in their honour this afternoon.

Throughout December The Mail has featured the fantastic feats of courage and kindness of children in our communities.

Nanny Elf and the younger elves got the party started with fun games, magic and a Christmas sing song.

The Cinderella panto stars also came to meet the children and have photos taken. Buttons showed off his magic tricks, and there was more festive tunes and dancing. Cinderella, Barrow's Emily Dodd, presented the Christmas Stars certificates with The Fairy Godmother.

The singing of Jingle Bells by the children with Nanny Elf and the elves saw the grand arrival of Santa.

All the Christmas Stars got to chat with Santa and receive a Christmas present, courtesy of Heath's Toymaster.

Santa introduced Dan Austin and Hayden Armstrong of Lake District Farmers, who presented the children with their share of £2,025 from the Lake District Farmers Armstrong Family Charitable Fund donation.

Each month a £1,000 Lake District Farmers Armstrong Family Charitable Fund donation is distributed via The Mail. The amount has been more than doubled for the January donation, which has been given early to The Christmas Stars, in form of £135 each.

The Christmas Stars and their families were overwhelmed by the celebration which brought fun, entertainment, certificates, and wonderful gifts. All the children and families were thankful.

Eight-year-old Kodi McWilliam shed tears of joy on receiving his gifts.

The plucky Barrow lad is recovering from the serious injuries he suffered after being hit by a car in October last year. He suffered a bleed on the brain and a skull fracture and then spent months recovering at home with his family, included the Christmas period last year.

Kodi. of Barrow, said: "The party has been dead good, thank you."

Evie Fones, seven, was another Christmas Star amazed by her presents, saying the event was "brilliant".

The Barrow youngster was nominated for selflessness as she helps her mum care for her dad, who has epilepsy and other health conditions, and her siblings who have learning difficulties."

Evie's dad, Jason Fones, said: "Evie is an amazing little girl, she help her mum with her sister, brother and me. She helps around the house and gives to charities.

"The Christmas Stars party has been amazing, it gives these children recognition and shows them how important they are.

"Evie and I are overwhelmed by the gifts she has received."

The Mail would like to wish all our Christmas Stars, their families and our supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We extend our thanks to our Christmas Stars supporters; Heath's Toymaster, in Dalton Road, Barrow, The Forum, in Duke Street, Barrow, the cast of the Cinderella panto, at The Forum, Lake District Farmers Armstrong Family Charitable Fund, Barrow and District Disability Association, in School Street, Father Christmas, Nanny Elf and the elves, and St Mary's Guides.