A BRAINTREE youngster was invited for a fairytale visit to strike the first of 10,000 Peter Pan 50p coins.

Great Ormond Street patient Olivia Dawson, 6, was invited to the Tower Mint in London to press an image from the story into the first of the collectors’ single, silver coins which feature full colour illustrations.

The coins are celebrating 90 years since writer JM Barrie gifted the rights to his much-loved story to Great Ormond Street Hospital and will raise cash for the hospital's charity.

Father Elliot Dawson, who works for the Tower Mint said: "I was filled with pride seeing Olivia strike the first Peter Pan coin.

"Olivia’s mum, Stacey, and younger brother, Charlie, were also in attendance and it was a great moment to experience together.

"For our family to be a part of something that will raise funds to help support other children at GOSH is very special."

Olivia has the rare genetic disorder called Williams Syndrome and has been under the care of the London hospital since she was 3 years old.

The syndrome is caused by a genetic mistake in a child’s DNA and can affect children in a variety of different ways including, early growth problems, learning disabilities and problems with the heart and blood vessels.

GOSH Children's Charity chief executive Louise Parkes said: "We’re so grateful to The Westminster Collection and the Tower Mint for commemorating the special legacy of JM Barrie’s gift to GOSH.

"The money raised from the sale of these coins will help to support the seriously ill children and young people who are cared for at GOSH, children just like Olivia, who did such a fantastic job striking the first coin."

The collection includes six legal tender Isle of Man 50p coins, each featuring a well-known character and quote from the iconic story.

A donation from each set or single Peter Pan 50p sold will go directly to GOSH Charity.