A SICK toddler will be a step closer to pioneering treatment in the US with a fundraising night.

People with disabilities from the Havelock Day Centre, in Hartlepool, are holding the evening of entertainment tonight in aid of one-year-old Olivia Jane Palmer.

The event, to start at 7pm at the centre, in Havelock Street, will feature music by local band Skyran.

The proceeds will go towards the cost of treatment at a Chicago hospital for the Hartlepool youngster, who was born in September last year suffering from a number of problems.

Olivia has lissencephaly (smoothness of the brain), her heart tubes are the wrong way round and she has scoliosis of the spine. She is also partially blind and suffers from epilepsy, both during the day and at night.

Billy Kelly, one of the Havelock Day Centre members who has organised the charity night, said: "We were all very concerned and very moved when we heard about Olivia, and we wanted to do something to help.

"We hope lots of local people will join us, our families and friends for what will be a great evening."

Tickets for the event cost £1 and are available from Mr Kelly at the Havelock Day Centre, on (01429) 863808 or (01429) 260583.