A TODDLER who lost her leg to meningitis took her latest steps on the road to recovery yesterday.

Chantelle Pringle, two, has battled back to health after surgeons removed her right foot and toes from her left foot after the bug almost killed her.

But now Chantelle is walking tall again after having a new limb fitted.

Her mother, Keeley Grotz, 24, of Washington, Wearside, said: "She loves being up and about. It is great to have things back to normal after everything that has happened.

"It was devastating, but she is such a fighter. We are so proud of her."

Chantelle fell ill on November 17 last year. Quick-thinking Keeley recognised the symptoms of meningitis and took her to hospital.

Chantelle spent eight days in intensive care in Newcastle, and her parents were warned to expect the worst - but she pulled through.

Ms Grotz and her partner, Alan Pringle, 25, were told Chantelle would have to have her right foot amputated, and she underwent the operation at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, on December 6.

Ms Grotz, who also has an eight-year-old son, Ryan, said: "The doctors fitted the new limb this week and she does not appear to have any problems getting used to it."