IT HAS not been much of a fairytale start in life for brave Tayla-Jane Cookson.

Diagnosed with a kidney tumour at the age of two, she has endured a major operation and months of chemo-therapy without complaint.

But the five-year-old was able to forget all her troubles when her wildest wish became reality for one spellbinding day.

For Tayla-Jane was yesterday transformed into Cinderella at a fairytale castle - complete with flowing frocks, a horse and carriage, a wand and, of course, Prince Charming.

However, the real happy ending is that Tayla-Jane, of Donwell, Washington, Wearside - who also has a trip to Disneyworld, Florida, to look forward to - is on the way to making a full recovery.

Yesterday, she was in already in dreamland after her fairytale horse and carriage rolled into Lumley Castle, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

"It's really nice. I like my dress and I like having my picture taken," she whispered.

Her dreams were made true by the Make a Wish Foundation, which offers a happy day for youngsters who suffer from life-threatening illnesses.

The charity has launched itself in the region after a similar charity, The Dream Foundation, was hit by scandal when police began inquiries into fraud allegations. The receivers for The Dream Foundation have asked the Make a Wish Foundation to take over a number of cases.

Tayla-Jane's mother, Lorraine Cookson, 33, who is bringing up her daughter alone, told of her heartache over the last two-and-a-half years.

"It's been an absolute nightmare. If it wasn't for my parents, Norman and Linda, I don't think I could have survived. Tayla's their only grandchild.

"My little girl had neuroblastoma, a kidney tumour, when she was just two. She had six months of chemotherapy, a ten-and-a-half hour operation, lost a kidney, was in intensive care for a week and endured high-blast stem cell chemotherapy.

"She's been fabulous, never even questioned it, but got on with it. She doesn't understand what she's had. She just says 'I've had a bad tummy and I've got a big scar'. She really deserves this."

Tayla-Jane, who started school last September, will not be fully in the clear for at least five years.

The Make a Wish Foundation is holding a fundraising fashion show and adult-style village fete at Newcastle United's St James' Park in October. Call (01688) 219322 for more details.