A double amputee from Faversham has seen his drumming dream come true after he performed on stage with his favourite band Metallica.

Seriously-ill teenager Oliver Mangion, of Belvedere Road, was born with a very rare genetic condition that seriously affects his limbs and has resulted in severe kidney and urology problems.

But Oliver, who has undergone more than 40 operations, including an amputation of both his legs, has not let that get in the way of his drumming dreams.

The 17-year-old flew to Detroit at the beginning of this month to meet his favourite band Metallica where he was invited on stage by his idol drummer Lars Ulrich.

He then played the drums for the band’s final song, Seek and Destroy, to a huge crowd.

After the set Lars gave Oliver one of his drum sticks as a memento of the experience.

Oliver said: “It was totally awesome and the best experience I have ever had in my life.

“Metallica were so kind to me, I have to keep looking at the pictures to remind myself it really did happen. I'll never forget it.”

The teen, who dreams of becoming a doctor, spent three days in the American city where he witnessed an unannounced set by the band under the fake band name Dehaan.

The Queen Elizabeth Grammar School pupil was also taken to meet the band and watch a gig from the side of the stage.

He was in touching distance of the heavy metal band and during the set the band invited Oliver to jam with them.

Each band member also signed his prosthetic leg, which has Metallica artwork on it.

Mum Alison, who joined her young son on the trip, said: “Oliver is a remarkable young man, who has gone through so much in his life so far. He has undergone over forty surgeries and periods of serious illness with such a good grace. He has never let his disability get in the way of life.”

Oliver is a member of the Faversham Sea Cadets. It was the cadet chairman of his sea cadets unit, Dale Alexander, who put Oliver forward for the Starlight wish.