BIRTHDAYS

ELI: Young Eli Ward had plans for big adventures at his eighth birthday party – but that was before he broke his arm on the day before the big event.

Even so, thanks to plaster and a sling and an early release from hospital, he was still able to encourage his friends on the BMX track in a park close to Burleigh Heads and blow out the candles in front of more than 30 guests.

For his sixth birthday celebration, thanks to his mother Ali and grandmother Heather, every young guest was dressed as a padawan and carried a Star Wars light sabre made from a pool noodle.