Terminally ill boy, 3, spends dream day with South Yorkshire Police

Ely, from Sheffield, spent the day at South Yorkshire Police's mounted section in Barnsley

A three-year-old boy with an incurable brain tumour has enjoyed a dream day out with South Yorkshire Police.

Ely, from Sheffield, was invited to spend time with the force's mounted section, at Ring Farm, near Barnsley.

During the visit the he was given his own warrant card and treated to a ride in a police car.

Ely's mother, Vicki, said: "We had an absolutely lovely morning, it really was great. Ely has really enjoyed it, particularly the car."

A force spokesperson said Ely was given the special day because it was well known "four-legged colleagues always bring joy to children's faces".

Ely is "vehicle mad and has a love for all things police", officers said

Ely and his family were greeted by the force's mounted department, traffic officers and Bear, a wellbeing and trauma support dog.

During the visit, Ely and his brother, Guy, sat in the horsebox and a traffic car, putting on the lights and making "lots of noise with the sirens", the spokesperson said.

Ely's father, Steven, said: "Ely loves vehicles. We have a camper van and every time I go out with him he always asks if we can go in it as he loves it."

After looking around the vehicles Ely and Guy spent time with police horses Foggy, Stan, Woody and Sully.

Ely's mum said: "He loved it when they put the sirens on and the blue lights"

Officers from the Operational Support Unit said: "The giant boys were extremely gentle with the boys, and Mounted Officer PC Phil Reed explained what the horses enjoyed and how they helped police officers with their work."

Sgt Tracey Spratt, who organised Ely's visit, said: "We feel extremely privileged to have met Ely and to have welcomed him and his family to Ring Farm.

"Seeing the joy brought to Ely's face was heart-warming. He is such a sweet boy, whose smile and courageous charisma could light up the world.

"We hope he's able to make more fond memories with his family."