A BARRY schoolgirl who is battling a brain tumour has rubbed shoulders with the X Factor stars during a ‘priceless’ day out.

Eight-year-old Layla-mae Cummings was among a group of children from around the UK who travelled to London to watch the contestants go through their paces ahead of the live ITV show broadcast on Saturday.

The Brain Tumour Charity invited the youngsters and their families to the rehearsal on Friday, after X Factor producers offered to host the visit.

Layla-mae was joined by her mum Claire, aunt Nicola Cummings and cousin Anijah Cummings, nine.

They chatted to Honey G, Emily Middlemas, Matt Terry, Saara Aalto, the boys from 5 After Midnight and Ryan Lawrie, who was sent home later that night after losing the sing-off to Honey G.

Judges Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell mingled with the youngsters in between the acts’ rehearsals – and host Dermot O’Leary was on hand to say hello.

Layla-mae’s mum, Mrs Cummings said: “The whole experience was absolutely priceless. Seeing Layla-Mae so happy and smiling so much was just fantastic.”

Layla-mae rated the day “10 out of 10” while Anijah described it as “epic”.

Layla-mae was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2013.

She had been experiencing symptoms including seizures, memory loss, vomiting and headaches for a year before an MRI scan revealed the tumour.

Surgeons removed the growth but a follow-up scan in April this year showed more abnormal tissue in her brain.

The tumour is believed to be slow-growing but Layla-mae will have further tests in January to assess whether she should have further treatment or surgery.

Children and families worker for The Brain Tumour Charity, Emma Percy said: “We were thrilled to be invited to the X Factor studio and overwhelmed by the welcome we were given.

“All of the contestants and judges were so friendly – they made it a really special day for all of the children and families and helped to create some wonderful memories.

“We are so grateful to everyone at the X Factor who made it happen.”

For details, visit www.thebraintumourcharity.org