Smith, one of Britain's most acclaimed and best loved actresses is a twice Oscar winner for her roles in the Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite...

She is now also winning a new generation of fans over with her appearances in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter films...

For Evan, aged nine who has a twisted cervical spine and liver cancer, it was Smith's role as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films that drew his attention...

He gave his wish to the Make A Wish charity to meet Dame Maggie and the actress agreed to make it come true...

The Room With A View star met the youngster, who was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2010, in a hotel in Cambridge...

Dame Maggie presented gifts to Evan, including his favourite chocolate, and spent two hours chatting to him...

His mum Sarah later praised the actress for her "genuine care" and "concern" and how "empathetic" she was...

The charity Make A Wish grants wishes to youngsters who are facing life-threatening conditions... aged three to seventeen...

The charity benefits from regular support from celebrities and figures in the entertainment world; for instance Jenson Button and Stephen Fry who have both recently been involved in wish making...

Make A Wish also enjoys business support from a variety of companies including restaurants, hotels and travel companies wanting to support the charity's wish making activities...

The charity also benefits from regular fundraising support for its wishes which involve a variety of days out and treats...

These include currently during the Olympic Games in London where the charity is supporting 47 families visiting the UK from five different countries to enjoy Olympic events... And also helping six UK children to attend Olympics events...

The UK Make A Wish charity is part of the International Make A Wish Foundation helping kids in countries worldwide...