A GIRL who has lit up her parents’ lives ever since she overcame the odds to survive a life-threatening prenatal condition has gone on to illuminate a whole community.

Rosie Foster last night flicked the switch to light up Durham County Council’s County Hall and the Christmas tree on the County Hall roundabout.

The four-year-old, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, was chosen for the honour after she inspired council chiefs with her incredible story of survival.

It all began at her 12-week scan, in August 2006, when her parents, Louise and Chris, were told that their unborn baby had a cystic hygroma and fetal hydrops, both lifethreatening prenatal conditions.

Further scans revealed the baby was very poorly and the prognosis was bleak – two consultants gave her only a five per cent chance of survival.

The devastated couple were advised to terminate and told, even if the baby did reach full-term, he or she could have a chromosomal disorder.

However, faced with this potentially heartbreaking news the couple resolved to think positive and let the baby determine its own fate.

A few weeks later their hopes were realised when a routine scan showed the hydrops had disappeared and the hygroma was reduced.

In December 2006, Rosie came into the world, albeit seven weeks early, a little girl who fought against long odds to amaze the medical profession.

Mr Foster, a civil servant, said he is hugely proud of his little angel. He added: “Rosie is completely healthy and full of life.

“She tackles everything she does with great gusto and is extremely pleased to be switching on the Christmas tree lights.”

When asked if she wanted to undertake the festive role, the Vane Road Primary School pupil simply said, “Yes please, thank you” and ran off to play.

County council chairman, Dennis Morgan, said: “Rosie is without doubt an inspiration.

“I have every confidence that she will not only light up the tree and roundabout, but the lives of everyone lucky enough to meet her too.”