Little Jessica Reynolds is walking tall after spending a nightmare year with her entire body paralysed.

The seven-year-old's parents were told she would never walk again because of a rare form of tumour on her spine.

But thanks to Jessica's fierce determination and the skill of surgeons, she has confounded medics.

The youngster can now walk unaided and has even taken up swimming and karate since taking her first uncertain steps.

Mother Diane, 35, of Thornaby, Teesside, said: "You wouldn't think she had been through what she has, she's simply amazing,

"All through her treatment she has never complained, everyone in the hospital knows her as "the little star."

After an eight-hour operation the cancer is now in remission and she is taking up sports that once would have been only a dream.

A spokeswoman for Newcastle General Hospital said: "Jessica has been a brave little girl and we are delighted at how well she has done.