A tiny tot who has survived a string of health scares was set to undergo yet another operation the day before the anniversary of her twin’s death.

Paige Battrick, two, was born in August 2009 16 weeks premature weighing just 1lb, 1oz along with her sister Scarlett, who weighed only four ounces more.

Sadly Scarlett died three months after their birth and Paige has suffered a string of health problems.

On six separate occasions her parents Kelly and Lee, of Sharples Street, Accrington, were told by medics to prepare to say goodbye to their daughter but each time she pulled through. She spent nine months in hospital before being allowed home.

And while she suffers from multiple illnesses - including Cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, holes in her heart and bleeds on the brain, plucky Paige is doing better than ever.

Mum Kelly, 31, said: "The last few months have been pretty good.

"She has a couple of fits, one which lasted for 45 minutes and she was in hospital for about a week but over all she is doing much better.

"She is a happy little girl and full of life."

The latest surgery was to be performed at Liverpool's Alder Hey Hospital and involved putting a feeding tube into Paige’s stomach as the youngster is unable to chew or swallow.

While she suffers some mobility problems, Paige is able to roll around in her play pen without her breathing being assisted by extra oxygen.

She can also speak a few words such as ‘hi’ and enjoys playing with her big sister Lillie-Mae, aged three.

Nursing home worker Kelly said: "We moved houses three months ago after some problems at the other place and have all settled in well. Paige is doing very well. She keeps fighting on."

Kelly said the family planned to remember Scarlett on Friday, November 11 by releasing some balloons. She said: "It’s never easy but we always mark the day as a family."