Young cancer survivor Joshua Flynn had his wish come true when he met his hero Iron Man.

Five-year-old Joshua, who was diagnosed with a malignant tumour on his kidney a week before his fourth birthday, did not stop smiling for a week after meeting his favourite superhero.

He wants to be an inventor when he grows up and “make good robots to help people”, and said Iron Man is the only real superhero because he created his own suit.

Joshua, of London Road, Chippenham, had his tumour removed four days before Christmas 2012 and spent 170 nights in John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford during chemotherapy because of complications.

Mum Sophie Flynn, 33, said: “Unfortunately he suffered a lot of side effects that most people don’t have. He had really severe burns all across his back and tummy, and a hole in his stomach after a gastrostomy tube. He coped with it all brilliantly.”

She referred Joshua to the charity Make-A-Wish, which grants wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions.

She used to volunteer for the charity before having children, while living in Singapore with her husband Stuart, who works in maritime security.

“I never thought when I was fundraising for them overseas that I would be using the charity years later,” she said.

Joshua, who goes to Charter Road Primary School, arrived by limousine at the Guyers House Hotel in Corsham.

He was soon practising his superhero moves before venturing out for a ride in a bumblebee car, and was presented with his own superhero training certificate.

Mrs Flynn said: “When we first walked in Joshua was awestruck, glued to the spot. He said he thought it was a statue, but then he started to move.

“It was a really fun and positive experience for Joshua and his two-year-old brother Dawson – it made Joshua feel like a normal child again and helped us move on from a difficult year.”

Joshua’s last scan was clear and he will be monitored for the next six years. To donate to the cause, visit www.make-a-wish.org.uk or call (01276) 405060.