Abbie Freeman was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, when she was 10 and underwent a gruelling regime of chemotherapy and operations but the tumour spread to her lung.

More chemo followed and last year she went into remission but in March she heard it had returned and her left leg was removed from the below the knee two weeks ago.

Last week the Christmas charity organised by Melton firefighters gave Abbie, along with mum and dad Rick and Sian and sister Hannah (10), £800 to treat themselves.

Abbie, who was Child of Courage at the Melton Times Community Awards in November, said: "It's ace! I was really shocked and surprised when they gave us the news.

"I'm really into fashion so we're going to go to London for a shopping trip."

Abbie, who is at John Ferneley College, is making regular visits to hospital to learn how to walk with a prosthetic leg.

Mum Sian said: "She's doing really well. It's another one of those things which she is dealing with. It's a good job the school has a new building otherwise she wouldn't be able to get about.

"A big thank you to Trumpton and also the people of Melton for being so generous.

"Scott said if there's anything we need we should just ask, but there's never been anything.

"It's really nice of them to offer this. We can't go abroad because of the insurance so we're going to stay in a nice hotel in London do some shopping and watch a show. What 13-year-old girl wouldn't be excited?"

The Trumpton appeal collects money around town in the run up to Christmas before picking good causes to support.

Firefighter Scott Smith said: "We felt Abbie and her family deserved a holiday. They have been through all this together, so they all deserve a treat.

"Trumpton is quite healthy, thanks to the generosity of Melton. It's really good considering the economic situation."