A CHILD was left badly burned after being scalded by a cup of tea at a fast food restaurant.

Shakila Khalaghe, 11 months, is battling back to health after suffering burns to her face, chest and legs when the tea was accidentally knocked over her while she was in a pram in Mc- Donald's.

Weeks after the incident, she is facing a brighter future following a two-hour skin graft operation on her chest at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Her parents, Louise Hands, 19, and Mohammad Khalaghe, 20, said they were proud of how their daughter had coped.

Speaking from their home, in North Shields, North Tyneside, Ms Hands, said: "It has been a horrible couple of weeks, but Shakila is gradually getting better.

Her burns have improved quite a bit following the operation and I'm pleased with the results, but we've been told she is going to be scarred for life on her chest."

Ms Hands' shopping trip turned into a "living nightmare"

last month when they were at the counter at McDonald's and a cup of tea was accidentally knocked off their tray and onto Shakila.

A McDonald's spokeswoman said: "The first priority is always for the health and safety of our customers and, naturally, we were concerned to hear of this incident and, of course, have every sympathy for the family involved.

"An ambulance was called immediately and, at the same time, our assistant manager, who is fully first aid trained, provided first aid to the baby in line with current first aid guidelines and procedures.

"Our assistant manager stayed with the mother and her baby until the paramedics arrived and took over.

"The initial findings of our own investigation concluded that the food and drink was presented to the customers in the correct and safe manner on the tray."