Mayor pays surprise birthday visit to Derry twins Adam and Aoife Burke following sudden death of their father Thomas

The Mayor and his wife Cheryl were joined by the children's favourite cartoon characters, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, for the visit after Thomas' widow Bronagh made an appeal for the public to send the twins a birthday card to help cheer them up during this difficult time.

Mayor Tierney paid tribute to the family for their courage in such trying circumstances.

"On behalf of the City and District I was honoured to deliver birthday greetings to Adam and Aoife and help put a smile on their faces as they come to terms with the tragic and sudden loss of their father Thomas just two months ago," he said.

"The people of Derry have been so proud of the family's dignity and courage in such trying circumstances and the goodwill towards them is evident in the thousands of birthday cards they have received from the public."

If you would like to send the twins a card, post it to Adam and Aoife Burke, 24 Gelvin Gardens, Trench Road, Waterside, Derry, BT47 2DQ.