A GIRL who bravely fought against cancer has lost her battle for life.

Two-and-a-half-year-old Katie Grant died peacefully at her home in Darlington on Sunday morning surrounded by her family.

Her parents, Justine and Andy, said yesterday: "We are very proud and privileged to have been her parents.

"We have had two-and-a-half wonderfully happy years with her. She coped remarkably well with her operation and treatment without ever complaining.

"She was the most beautiful and sweetest little girl, and we will miss her and love her for ever."

The couple took Katie to the doctor last August believing she had a tummy bug, but she was later diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Katie underwent surgery at Newcastle General Hospital to remove the tumour, followed by a programme of treatment including chemo-therapy and radiotherapy.

At Christmas, it was thought she might beat the disease, but then specialists at Newcastle found the cancer had returned in her head and spine.

Katie's fight against her illness inspired others to raise money for cancer charities.

Family friend Alice Reid shaved off her hair in October to raise more than £1,300 for Cancer Research UK.

Damon Hazell, a sports science student at Bishop Auckland College ran the London Marathon and raised £4,500 to pay for Katie to go to Euro Disney. This money will now be given to cancer charities.

Katie's granny, Sylvia Warne, said yesterday: "She died very peacefully in her mum's arms and with us all there. She was great - a very happy little girl."

Her funeral will be held at St Matthew's Church, Brinkburn Road, Darlington, at 12.30pm on Monday, followed by burial at West Cemetery. Pink balloons will be released at the service and bubbles blown.

Family flowers only with donations in lieu sent to the Children's Oncology Fund at Newcastle General Hospital.