PROCEEDS from a concert have helped to improve the quality of life for an eight-year-old girl who is severely disabled.

Singers and musicians from Durham Police donated the proceeds from their Christmas concert to help make life easier for Rachel Dodd, who lives with her mother Marian, in Cedar Grove, Shildon.

Rachel suffers from a number of conditions including cerebral palsy and epilepsy, leaving her unable to sit or walk unaided.

The youngster was given just months to live when she was born but with through her fighting spirit and the dedication of her family, has confounded the experts.

The money from the concert has bought a specialist bed that helps Rachel to sit and her mother is taking her to Paris Disneyland with what is left.

Yesterday, band secretary John Morrison and Hugh Ward from the Police Choir visited Rachel to see how the bed had helped her.

Hugh Ward said: "Every year we have a concert at Christmas and the proceeds go to a good cause. This year we decided to help Rachel because she needed this bed and it certainly has been money well spent. Even people who did not go along to the concert sent in donations."

Marian plays in the band and was stunned when members suggested helping Rachel.

She said: "I couldn't believe it. I said no at first, but then I realised this was the only way that Rachel could get the bed and she really needed it.

"It has been a great help. She has problems with her stomach and it has helped ease that. I took her to meet everybody and I was really touched. They kept saying how lovely she was."