LIVER transplant baby Tegan Ross is back at home after a successful operation.

Nine-month old Tegan was discharged from St James' Hospital, Leeds, after gaining enough strength to return home.

The Darlington baby and her mother, Michelle Greene, and her father, Gavin Ross, will return to the hospital for weekly check-ups. Tegan will also be housebound for the next few months to prevent her from catching illnesses.

Ms Greene said: "It is excellent that she is home. Things are getting back to normal."

Friends and family are also delighted Tegan was allowed to return home last week.

Ms Greene said: "She is looking really good. Everyone has said they cannot believe how much she has changed. It is only four weeks now since the operation."

Tegan was born on May 7 in Darlington Memorial Hospital. Although small, she was allowed home the same day.

After six weeks, she was re-admitted to hospital and diagnosed with biliary atresia, a rare condition caused by an inflammation that damages the bile ducts.

Following an unsuccessful operation, she was placed on the liver transplant list and underwent a transplant on February 1 after a donor was found. Three days later, she was out of intensive care.

She was expected to be in hospital for a month, but was allowed out earlier after making good progress.

Tegan will be taken back to St James' Hospital to ensure the drugs are working and that she is not rejecting the liver.

Ms Greene said: "I would like to say thank you to the donor family and thanks for all the support from family and friends."