BRAVE Bacup schoolgirl Deanna Radcliffe is looking forward to a new beginning in the New Year when she celebrates the milestone of a year in remission.

Deanna, six, of Regent Street, was diagnosed with an inoperable tumour behind her right eye in April 2001, and underwent a course of chemotherapy and an intensive course of radiotherapy.

Her mum Liz Radcliffe is pleased with the progress she has made during the year.

She said: "She is slowly making her way up in class. She had to go back to the bottom table but is now progressing nicely. She's finding her feet again and she's back on form."

Liz said she was hoping the family will have an easier time this Christmas after Deanna went to hospital on Boxing Day last year when she became ill.

Liz said: "We're looking forward to the New Year and hoping it turns out to be a good one. We are hoping there are no mishaps like last year when Deanna got an infection in her eye."

This year Deanna has discovered she enjoys performing on stage and has been in her first school play which was held at the Royal Court, Bacup.

Her mum said: "She played one of the angels and had to dance. It was beautiful to watch. She seemed to have so much confidence. She thought it was brilliant to be going on stage.

"Her sister, Danielle, has danced at the theatre and Deanna is so much happier now she has been on stage like her older sister. Deanna is still dancing and has passed her exams and she's enjoying it."

Kindhearted people in Rossendale raised £10,000 to send the family to Florida in 2003 when Deanna will get the chance to with dolphins.

Deanna's hair has grown and now reaches her neck. She has been for regular checks at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in Pendlebury and it has been good news.

Liz said: "I've got my fingers crossed but we've got a long way to go. She has a lot of friends from the hospital that have had to go back in and it is upsetting. We've got to keep going and hope for the best."