A FAMILY is preparing to move into a home which has been specially adapted for their handicapped daughter.

Mike and Louise Davenport's eight-year-old daughter Laura suffers from a severe form of epilepsy known as West's Syndrome, which is resistant to drugs.

The couple have two other daughters Megan, six, and Caitlin, five.

Mr and Mrs Davenport suffered heartache when plans to build the house were blocked.

Planning officials initially opposed their application to build the property in the green belt.

But councillors in Harrogate later decided that, because of the special circumstances Laura's House, as it has become known, could go ahead.

Laura, a pupil at Springwater School, Starbeck, Harrogate, is in need of 24-hour attention.

The house is built into a hillside overlooking the village of Hampsthwaite in Lower Nidderdale, near Harrogate, and looks like a bungalow.

But it has three first floor bedrooms which can be seen from the back.

Building started on September 20 last year and excitement is growing in the Davenport family about the move in a few weeks time.

Mr Davenport, a 35-year-old finance manager, said: "It isn't so much the facilities of the new home but the quality of life which will be available there for Laura.

"The new home will transform our family's lives and we will be able to look after Laura and keep her with us."

Mr Davenport said it had been a long battle following the initial planning setback.

Earlier, the family lived in a two-bedroomed rented flat in Hampsthwaite.

They were keen to stay in the community where they have made friends at the village church and school.