HANNAH Maxwell-Jones has arrived safely in the US for the surgery that will give her a new life.

The youngster, from Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, was born with a severe facial disfigurement.

Her plight touched readers of The Northern Echo, who helped raise £55,000 to cover the cost of what is expected to be a series of flights to the US for surgery.

Within days of arriving at the Arkansas Children's Hospital, in Little Rock, she will be operated on by Professor Milton Waner, who believes that he can help repair her face.

Her mother, Allison, said: "Hannah has been given an incredible opportunity and I am going to make sure she takes it."

Unruffled by the terrorist attacks in the US, Allison is focusing firmly on her daughter's future.

"I just keep thinking about the fantastic support I have had from people in the region - pubs, clubs, schools, churches and ordinary people. It has been incredible. I can't say thank you enough," she said.

People's expectations are high that surgery will quickly transform Hannah's face, but Allison urges caution. She knows it will take many operations to repair the damage caused by the haemangioma.

Even then, her daughter is likely to be left with some disfigurement.

But the family has been encouraged by contact with the US hospital.

"I've spoken to the nurses and they said they are really looking forward to meeting Hannah. Everything is scheduled to go ahead," said Allison.