A POORLY little girl's dream came true when caring fundraisers sent her on a fairy tale family holiday.

Three-year-old Katie-Leigh Tones enjoyed a trip to Disneyland, Paris, last week where she met all her favourite characters.

The brave youngster's battle with cancer, for a second time in just over a year, inspired shop workers and neighbours to raise cash to send her on the trip.

Katie-Leigh was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in January last year, then in November it was thought the toddler had beaten the disease.

But her parents Michelle, 24, and Lee, 27, of Ennerdale Drive, Crook, were recently given the devastating news that it had returned.

Mrs Tones said: "Our emotions have been up and down but Katie never complains, even when she goes through intense chemotherapy treatment.

"The holiday was fantastic, we cannot thank people enough for making it possible.

"We want Katie to enjoy every minute of her life and she certainly had the time of her life at Disneyland. It was magical for her to meet Tarzan, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and Pluto.

"We were worried she wouldn't be well enough to travel but when she got there she was so excited we couldn't keep up with her."

Mr Tones added: "It was great for the whole family. It was really nice for Katie and her brother, six-year-old Jordan, and gave us the chance to relax and see her happy.

"The staff at Newcastle RVI are fantastic and make her feel comfortable but you cannot beat getting away from it all and having fun like any other child."

Staff at Focus DIY stores across the North-East made the trip possible, raising around £12,000 for the family.

Barbara Clark, assistant manager at Focus DIY, Bishop Auckland, where Mrs Tones works on the check out, said: "We were thrilled to be able to help, we would love Katie to get better but by raising money we can at least see that she does whatever she wants. It is also really important that Jordan gets to spend lots of time having fun with Katie."