A CELEBRITY singer has paid a special visit to Reading for the official opening a dog care centre which was set up in memory of a young boy.

Singer and X-Factor star Jake Quickenden visited Toni Ilsley's home in Emmer Green for the opening of her new business in memory of her son Charlie.

Reading Chronicle: Charlie Charlie

Charlie, 13, battled cancer for five years but sadly passed away in December last year.

ALSO READ: 'I didn't want Charlie to be forgotten': Mum sets up dog care business following tragic death of son

His mum Toni has since opened Charlie's Place, a dog care centre, in his memory.

On Saturday, June 5, Toni held an open day and singer Jake was there and even sang a few songs.

Reading Chronicle:

The Ilsley's first met Jake when Charlie was flying to Germany for cancer treatment.

The star was on the same plane and invited the family to Hair - the musical he was in at the time.

On Saturday, he returned to visit Toni for the official opening of Charlie's Place.

Toni said: "He was absolutely brilliant" adding he's a "really genuine nice man".

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Steve Morano and his band also performed during the day as did Vintage Helen.

Visitors also enjoyed food like burgers, sausages and cakes and Toni described it as a "mini festival", adding it was an emotional day.

Charlie's Place will offer dog boarding, dog daycare and dog walking services to locals in the area.

The business has been set up in Toni's garage which has been completely renovated in the last few months.

Toni explained the business is fully booked until September.

She said Charlie "absolutely would have loved it and would have wanted to keep all the dogs we have had".