A PRESTEIGNE schoolgirl rubbed shoulders with The X Factor stars last month after she was given special invitation from The Brain Tumour Charity.

Thirteen-year-old Jenna Niblock was among a group of youngsters who travelled to London to meet the contestants and watch them rehearse ahead of the live broadcast on November 22.

The Newton High School – John Beddoes Campus pupil said it was an unbelievable experience.

‘It was the best time ever,” she said.

“I can’t wait to tell my friends all about it.

“Everywhere I looked there were famous people! I watch them on TV every Saturday night and now I’m meeting them– I couldn’t believe it.”

The X Factor programme-makers laid on the visit for children affected by brain tumours who are supported by The Brain Tumour Charity.

Jenna was diagnosed with a low-grade ganglioglioma three years ago, after she started fainting and stumbling.

The Newton High School – John Beddoes Campus pupil had surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital when some of the tumour was removed and she now has MRI scans every four to six months to monitor it.

Jenna made the trip to London with and her mum Carol, dad Chris and sisters Ellie, 15, and Ashlin, 8.

Contestants including Lauren Platt, Ben Haenow and Stereo Kicks spent time chatting with the children, signing autographs and posing for pictures before taking to the stage at Fountain Studies for the dress rehearsal.

Ben – one of Simon Cowell’s over-25s category - said: “It’s an honour to have families from The Brain Tumour Charity here.

“What great kids – it was lovely to meet them.”