X-FACTOR star Jaymi Hensley will cut the ribbon to open the 2019 Halesowen Carnival at Highfield Park this Saturday (July 6).

The Union J singer, who is currently playing the lead role in the Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat musical, will also present carnival guest of honour Finley Hill with his VIP sash.

Carnival organiser Stuart Henley said pop star Hensley had asked to attend the event in order to meet seven-year-old Finley, who needs a stem cell donor to cure deadly rare immune disorder HLH.

Attendees will be encouraged to take part in a mouth swab to see if they are a match for Finley or for anyone else needing a donor.

Hensley will only be able to attend the event briefly - as he is on stage performing as Joseph at the Birmingham Hippodrome at 2pm.

Carnival organiser Mr Henley said: "Jaymi will be making a short visit but a welcome one.

"I am so pleased he is finding the time out of his busy schedule to come and support Finn and the campaign to find a donor."

Two Miss England finalists - Rowley Regis's Alexandra Darby and Pensnett's Charlie Jones - will also be attending the event.

Halesowen Carnival, which is in its fifth year, takes place on Saturday, July 6 at Highfield Park on Highfield Lane, from midday to 8pm, with free admission for all.

Among the activities on offer will be a fair, live music and dance, wrestling, a free-to-enter dog show, a variety of stalls, food and drink, and more.