TWO sisters enjoyed an extra-special performance when they took to the stage to perform for the Mayor and Mayoress of Rossendale.

Deanna and Danielle Radcliffe, of Regent Street, Bacup, were among the cast in Rossendale Dance and Drama Studio's production at Haslingden Public Hall.

But for the two sisters the performance was one to remember because last year Danielle, nine, had to attend classes on her own while Deanna underwent intensive treatment for a tumour behind her right eye.

Deanna, five, had chemotherapy and an intensive course of radiotherapy to remove the tumour and has been in remission since January. Chest X-rays every two months at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, have not shown any recurrence.

Kindhearts in Rossendale raised £10,000 to send Deanna and her family on a holiday of a lifetime for three-weeks to Florida to meet her favourite character Winnie the Pooh and swim with dolphins.

But because of her age, mum and dad Liz and Paul will not make the journey until next year when Deanna will be old enough to do the dolphin swim.

Both Radcliffe girls attend the dance school in Waterfoot.

At the song and dance spectacular, which was on for three nights, both girls performed separately tap, ballet and disco. Danielle also did some cheerleading.

Liz said: "Deanna is doing very well and she is enjoying herself at school at Britannia Primary and has moved up a table.

"Her hair is growing back now and it is dark whereas before it was streaky blonde. She still gets tired quickly and every day drops have to be put in her eyes, but she is getting used to it and tells us when she needs them doing.

"We got the chance to go to Blackpool last week and it was the first time in ages Deanna was able to go on the pleasure beach and she had a great time."

Early next year the family will return to Christie Hospital to find out more about the long-term effects the treatment to remove the tumour will have on Deanna but at the moment she is just loving life.