A LITTLE girl with an extremely rare condition is to fulfil a dream to meet her favourite Disney characters thanks to the generosity of local people.

April Benton, from Malton, is one of nine children in the world suffering from bilateral striatal necrosis, which affects her mobility.

The youngster, who is three years old on November 1, was diagnosed with the condition after contracting a virus last year.

A fundraising drive launched by House Martins Day Nursery, also in Malton, which April has attended since she was a baby, has now raised over £10,000 to help her and her family enjoy a dream holiday in Disneyland Paris.

Marsha Turnbull, owner of the nursery, said the trip was now booked for May 18 next year.

"We are absolutely over the moon to have raised so much money," she added.

"The aim was to raise £1,000 so to have so much support from local people, many of whom do not even know April, is amazing."

Money has been raised by a number of events, including a three-day 140-mile cycle ride from York to Osmotherley and a team from House Martins taking part in an assault course at Branham Park.

"The bike ride was a really hard slog but we had people giving up their weekend to help raise money," Marsha said.

"I take my hat off to them and to those who did the assault course they have been just marvellous."

Marsha added that with the holiday now booked the additional funds would be used to support April's needs as she grow older.

"April is managing her disability fantastically well she has grown with it and is learning to use her limbs," she said,

"She is a fiercely independent little girl and won't let anything get in her way - it is amazing how well she copes."

Marsha added: "April is a lovely, cheerful girl with a fabulous sense of humour for such a young child, she really puts us all to shame."

"She l loves all the Disney characters and she cannot wait until next May when she flies out to Disneyland Paris where she will have the time of her life. "

April’s mum Sarah, said the amount raised was amazing.

"It has been very emotional and has not just affected me but the whole family," she added.

"To think that people that we have never met or spoken to have been so generous is very touching."

Sarah said that as April was only the ninth child in the world to be diagnosed with the condition they were taking each day as it comes.

"We are learning things as we go along and April never complains when she has to go to hospital appointments and is such a happy little girl," she added.

"I just can't thank people enough for what they have done for April - she seems to have tugged at everyone's heart strings."

A final fundraising event of the year has been organised with a performance by Huge – The Ultimate Party Band, at the Milton Rooms, in Malton, on December 5.

Tickets are £20 with the option of food for £4 per person and available from House Martins on 01653 692020 and Smash Clothes Shop, in Malton.