Potential stem cell donors are urged to sign up at a special event as an inspirational schoolboy prepares for a major operation.

Burnham boy Laughlin Whiteley, six, is due to have a bone marrow transplant on Wednesday after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia last November.

His parents Andrea Poyser and John Whiteley, of Mildmay Road, and their supporters have organised a stem cell donor registration event on Saturday, March 1 with charity Delete Blood Cancer.

It is at St Mary’s Primary School in Marsh Road from 11am to 4pm and is open to anyone in good general health and aged between 18 and 55.

Glyness Rowell is also organising a buffet at Zara Indian Cuisine restaurant in Steeple Road, Mayland, on March 16 at 1pm to raise awareness of stem cell donation.

Diners will be asked for £1 donations to buy him Lego to play with during his recovery in hospital.