A POORLY little girl's dream came true when fundraisers sent her on a fairy tale family holiday.

Three-year-old Katie-Leigh Tones enjoyed a trip to Disneyland Paris, last week and met all her favourite characters.

The youngster's battle with cancer, for a second time in just over a year, inspired shop workers and neighbours to raise cash to send her on the trip.

Katie-Leigh was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, in January last year, then in November, it was thought the toddler had beaten the disease.

But her parents Michelle, 24, and Lee, 27, of Ennerdale Drive, Crook, County Durham, were recently given the devastating news that it had returned.

Mrs Tones said: "Our emotions have been up and down but Katie never complains, even when she goes through intense chemotherapy treatment.

"The holiday was fantastic. We cannot thank people enough for making it possible.

"We want Katie to enjoy every minute of her life and she certainly had the time of her life at Disneyland.

"It was magical for her to meet Tarzan, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and Pluto.

"We were worried she wouldn't be well enough to travel but when she got there, she was so excited we couldn't keep up with her."

Mrs Tones said the event was good for the whole family and was also enjoyed by her brother, six-year-old Jordan.

"The staff at Newcastle RVI are fantastic and make her feel comfortable but you cannot beat getting away from it all and having fun like any other child," she added.

Staff at Focus DIY stores across the North-East made the trip possible, raising about £12,000 for the family with in-store events.

Barbara Clark, assistant manager at Focus DIY in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, where Mrs Tones works on the check-out, said: "We were thrilled to be able to help."