A FUNDRAISING drive has been launched to help a young girl with an extremely rare condition.

April Benton, from Malton, is one of only nine children in the world suffering from bilateral striatal necrosis, which affects her mobility. The six-year-old was diagnosed with the condition after contracting a virus in 2014.

Her parents Sarah and Paul are now hoping to extend and adjust their home to cope with April's increasing needs with the help of a sponsored swim - covering the equivalent of the English Channel.

Sarah, who works at Karro Foods in Norton, said: "In December I pulled my back trying to carry April and had to take time of work.

"It made us realise that we need to adapt our home with an extension and wet room, as well as ramps, to enable us to deal with April's needs as she grows older."

April, who attends St Mary's RC School in Malton on a part-time basis, also needs specialised equipment, including an adapted car seat.

Richard Scarth, a personal trainer and sports physio, is organising the swim at Derwent Pool in Norton with the aim of raising £3,000 towards a wet room for April.