TEARS of surprise and joy greeted the arrival of a stretched limousine in a former pit village yesterday - brought in to start the trip of a lifetime for a young cancer sufferer.

Katie Wright, three, who was diagnosed with cancer last year and has undergone extensive treatment, was whisked off to Disneyland along with family members, thanks to the generosity of friends and neighbours.

Her mother, Catherine, of Esh Winning, near Durham, said: " I was aware of the hard work put in by villagers and was looking forward to going.

"But I was expecting a minibus to pick us up - and then this. This is absolutely fantastic."

Villagers decided to send Katie to Disneyland after being taken by the determination and bravery she had shown in the face of her disease.

She has undergone chemotherapy, radiotherapy and has had one of her kidneys removed.

Pam Davies teamed up with friends Patricia Dodds and Michelle Briggs, and reached their target of more than £3,000 in a month after organising a series of events, including a sponsored walk, raffle, and pub charity nights.

Mrs Davies said: "She's a beautiful little girl, really brave, and we all thought she deserved something special."

Mrs Wright said: "It has been a nightmare year but this has been great.

"It just shows how much people care in the village - it's like one big family."

She added: "I've told Katie she's going to see Mickey Mouse and she's very excited about it.

"It will be a really nice treat after what she's been through."

There to see her off was her father Michael Lambert.

Katie will be accompanied by her mother, her grandmother Christine Wright and her five-year-old aunt Sarah Wright.

The limousine was provided free by South Shields company, Starlight Limousines.