Superheroes and Avengers are set to attend the funeral of a little legend who has lost his seven year battle with cancer.

Harry Parkes, who loved dressing up as the costumed crusaders, was diagnosed with a rare and fast-growing brain tumour when he was 14 months old.

But he passed away just before 10am on February 9, aged eight.

His parents, Neal Parkes and Amanda Cobb, told Kent Online they had lost their best friend and mummy’s boy.

Dad Neal said: “This has been the most hardest week of our lives losing our son, our legend and our hero Harry, we will never forget or get over this as it still feels so unreal but we need to stay strong and try to carry on.

“All he ever watched and played was the Avengers so we as a family and friends who attend his day are all dressing up for him.”

He added: “Thank you everyone for all your lovely messages and donations. We never thought this day would ever come but one thing is, we all did everything we could for Harry to enjoy every minute with us, cherishing the laughter and the moments which we just want back.”

Harry, who was nominated for a Pride in Medway Award when he was three, was a pupil at Wouldham All Saints Primary School.

In 2015, his godfathers and other family friends took part in a boxing tournament and raised £5,000 to treat Harry and his younger sister Holley to a holiday.

Harry’s funeral takes place on Monday at 4pm at the Garden of England Crematorium, Sittingbourne.

His family are calling it his special farewell day and asking everyone who attends to either dress up as a superhero or an Avenger, or wear something in keeping with the theme.

The family, who live in Rochester, have opened an online obituary with John Weir Funeral Services where people can leave messages and donations for Demelza Hospice and Brain Tumour Research.

Flowers can be sent to John Weir Funeral Services before 2pm on Monday.

Donations can also be made at his Golden Giving page.