IF the police turn up unannounced on your doorstep it usually means a day to remember for all the wrong reasons.

But for a Darlington teenager it meant a dream come true tonight (Friday).

Kieran Maxwell has bravely battled a rare form of cancer since he was 12-years-old and was honoured with a surprise police escort to his school prom.

A number of off-duty police officers from Durham Police offered their services to help the 15-year-old arrive in style at Hardwick Hall, in Sedgefield.

The surprise was arranged by one of Kieran’s teachers from Hummersknott Academy who wrote to Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg to ask if he could help make the night a special one.

Kieran was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma at the age of 12 and has undergone years of treatment, including the amputation of his leg due a number of untreatable tumours.

The teenager, from Heighington, near Darlington, has never let his years of illness stand in his way and harbours dreams of competing in the Paralympic Games as a gymnast.

Before his illness he had aspired to become a police officer, which inspired one of his teachers to dream up the special treat.

Speaking last night after his VIP arrival, Kieran said: "It was absolutely incredible.

"I walked out my house and all I heard was sirens. I was like 'oh no', I thought they were coming to arrest someone. I thought 'this is perfect, ruining my night!'

"Then when they pulled up at my house I was like 'Oh, it's me'."

The escort was made up of three police cars and two motorcycle outriders.

"I was in the BMW. I felt special," he said.

Kieran has recently sat his exams and is going to Darlington College to undertake a Level 2 Diploma in Sports.

Describing tonight as the best surprise ever, he said: "I would like to thank my support teacher who organised this and wrote to Durham Police. This wouldn't have been possible without her."

Mr Hogg said he was moved by the letter from Kieran’s teacher asking for his help and added: “I offered my full support and am extremely proud of the officers who have volunteered their services to fulfil Kieran’s dream.

“Helping people is what we are about and inspiring confidence in our communities is at the heart of our vision. Kieran is a young man who is an inspiration to others and I am proud that we are able to support him on this special occasion.”