A schoolboy has made a triumphant return to football after a cancer battle.

Charlie Taylor was greeted by applause and cheers as he stepped on to the pitch with his Park Regis teammates on Sunday.

Unfortunately they only managed a 3-3 draw against Ashford-based Kennington Juniors, but the real celebration was that the 16-year-old is now in remission.

VIDEO: Charlie Taylor returns to the football pitch

The Westlands School pupil, from Milton, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in March and had to undergo gruelling chemotherapy.

His uncle Ashleigh Taylor said: "He’s finished all of his treatment and is in remission now.

"When we had the all clear, we had a party and he’s doing really well – he’s back at school now too."

Mr Taylor, from Kemsley, added: “He’d played no football for a year and the amount of support we’ve had is amazing, we’re really grateful.

“His teammates have all been so supportive and have followed his story – some of them have known each other since they were eight.” - Ashleigh Taylor

Charlie first hit headlines in June after he had to drop out of a charity football tournament for a boy who died from leukaemia.

He was too ill to play in the annual Harrison Staines memorial tournament, so decided to organise his own fancy dress football match which raised more than £3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

During his treatment, the boxing enthusiast, who has competed for Swale Gloves boxing club, has been backed by some big hitters.

He received a video message from legend Mike Tyson and will soon be sparring with middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders.

And recently he enjoyed a catch-up and a roast with boxing referee Ian John-Lewis, who lives in Newington.

They went to The White Horse pub in Charlotte Street, Sittingbourne, where Charlie and his family are regulars.

Mr John-Lewis first made contact with the Taylors after seeing Charlie’s story online. He even visited him when he was receiving treatment at St George's Hospital in London.

His 34-year-old uncle added: “Thank you to everyone for all of your support.”