KIMBERLEY Dixon looked every inch the glamorous young woman as she attended her first Prom.

Only days away from her 17th birthday, she danced the night away in her favourite ball dress.

Her proud family looked on, taking photographs of the event from every angle, determined not to miss a minute.

For this was not only a special night for Kimberley - it was a night most people thought she would never see.

Barely nine months earlier, Kimberley was lying close to death in hospital, after plummeting more than 30ft from the attic window of her home last June.

The injuries she suffered were so horrific that doctors told her family she may not survive.

At the very least, they warned, she could be confined to a wheelchair, or may never talk again.

But Kimberley was to prove everyone wrong, and has gone on to make an astonishing recovery.

Her family threw a black-tie "Kimmy Prom" in her honour last Friday night in Darlington's Rise Carr Social Club, to pay tribute to brave Kimberley, who will turn 17 on Wednesday.

She was so disappointed to miss her end-of-term Prom at Carmel RC College that her mother Lynn organised the party of her dreams.

Surrounded by 90 friends and family members, in a room decorated in pink and purple - Kimberley's favourite colours - guests looked on in awe as she took to the dancefloor.

"It was so cool, it was amazing," said Kimberley.

"I missed the Carmel Prom because I was in hospital, I was so disappointed. Mum promised me I could go to one, but when I got out there were so many things to buy like a wheelchair and special bed, that I knew she couldn't afford to arrange one for me.

"But she said I could have one for my birthday. It was so much fun. But I was amazed by how many people were there - there were just so many, all for me. It was so nice."

Mrs Dixon is keen to pay tribute to the army of well-wishers who have been constantly willing to lend a hand during some of the darkest days.

"It amazes me how good people are, especially in times like this, and as a family we would like to say thank you to everyone who has helped out," she said.

"So many people remember what happened, and are sometimes a bit worried to ask how Kim is, but they're delighted when they see her so well."

While back in June, her family feared the worst for bubbly Kimberley, the future now looks bright.

She is in the middle of an art AS-level at Carmel's sixth form, which has been extended to a two-year course to suit her needs.

"We are all really proud, and she continues to amaze us," said Mrs Dixon.

"Kimberley has come so far. And although there's still quite a way to go, we are well on the way."

"I've not done so badly," added Kimberley, smiling.

"I am really happy and things are really good."