A BRASS band has played a surprise concert at the home of a mum who was unable to attend a carol service which she attends every Christmas after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Every Christmas, Jacqueline Kinsella, from Lowton, and her family attend the festive concert at St Oswald's Church in Winwick.

But in June, the 61-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer and has since undergone two operations.

Then, just four months after Jackie received the devastating news, her sister-in-law Julie Cardow was also diagnosed with breast cancer.

With the pair both too ill to attend the carol concert, it looked as though the family tradition would be broken this Christmas.

But Jackie's family organised a surprise concert by the Golborne Brass Band on the driveway of her home on Sunday, December 17.

Daughter-in-law Elle Cooper, from Lowton, said: "Every year as a family we go to the church for a carol service, and Golborne Brass Band are always there.

"It's a family tradition for us to go and it's something that Jackie has always done.

"I thought if Jackie couldn't go this year then I'd bring the concert to her, because it would be a shame to miss out on that tradition.

"We told Jackie it was a pre-Christmas get together for everyone in the family to exchange gifts - none of the family knew what was going to be taking place, so I told them that it was snowing.

"When we opened the front door all the neighbours and some of Jackie's closest friends were all out there with the brass band playing.

"It was so magical."

The festive surprise for Jackie and Julie came complete with a snow machine and mulled wine.

Elle, 28, added: "It was really nice for the brass band to make that gesture, and we want to have them back again next year because they were so amazing.

"At first we thought it was going to be a Christmas that we wouldn't forget for all the wrong reasons, but now it's a Christmas that we won't forget for all the right reasons.

"All their loved ones and close friends were there and it's definitely something I'll never forget.

"They've both been fantastic and I've never met anybody like them.

"It's been a boost in morale for the whole family - it's definitely made us stronger and brought us closer together."