A LITTLE girl with mobility problems has been given a new lease of life after kind-hearted Pendle residents raised funds for a specialist bike.

Five-year-old Georgia Hill, who is unable to walk without the use of a frame and leg braces, was presented with the bike on Tuesday by staff at Toddle In Nursery in Colne who helped to fund it.

Her mum Keilli (corr) Broome, 30, who works at the nursery, says her daughter is 'over the moon' with the £1,260 Independence Mobility bicycle which is hoped will strengthen her legs and improve her mobility.

Doctors believe that Georgia has hereditary spastic paraplegia, also known as HSP, which is a group of inherited disorders that cause weakness and stiffness of the leg muscles, which gradually gets worse over time.

Georgia, who attends Pendle View School in Colne and previously went to Toddle In Nursery, asked for a bike for Christmas but Keilli was unable to fund one.

When staff at Toddle In Nursery heard how much a specialist bike would cost they set about fundraising, organising a series of events including raffles, tombolas, a bake sale, lucky dips and a name the chick competition.

Keilli said: "Georgia started school last year and we realised that she loved going on the bikes that they have.

"For Christmas she really wanted a bike, but when I looked into it I found that the one she would need cost more than £1,200.

"I had been speaking to the deputy manager at Toddle In, Tina Robinson, about how much Georgia wanted a bike and she decided to make it her mission to help her.

"At first they were just going to put in a contribution, but after the first week they had raised £200.

"After a month we had £800 which was brilliant. And then out of the blue one day Peter Allen, who I know from Pendle Borderline Theatre Company, came into work and donated £400 which was the remainder of the money.

"I couldn't believe it, I was so overwhelmed.

"The bike not only gives Georgia enjoyment, but it is really beneficial for her strength and mobility and is designed so she is fully supported.

"I want to say a huge thanks to Tina, the staff and parents at Toddle In, as well as Peter and his wife Margaret."