Terminally ill toddler Tess Sullivan will enjoy a dream trip to Lapland thanks to community fundraising efforts.

Tess, three, is one of 50 infants worldwide to have Alexander disease, a rare genetic degenerative disorder.

The youngster has already undergone surgery to remove parts of her skull after being diagnosed with pressure to the brain.

She is expected to die between the age of five and ten-years-old as there is currently no cure for the disease.

Since the Observer broke the story the community has been touched by Tess’s courage. The Sullivans have also appeared on the BBC.

Mum Helen, 31, who lives in Huncoat with husband Steve, Tess and her brothers Tyler, 12, and Max, 17 months, said: "Since two weeks ago £800 has been put into the pot.

"If everything comes in from the skydive my friend did it will be just under £3,000 so we have provisionally booked four nights in Lapland from December 1."

She added: "So much has been sent after people have read the articles in the Observer and the Free Press. I’m so confident now because of how much support we have had.

"She will love it in Lapland - I can’t wait to see her little face."

Tess was born in Royal Blackburn Hospital with no health issues but after a series of problems - including epileptic fits and slow development - was diagnosed with the fatal disease in December last year.

During the illness Tess will lose her mobility, eyesight and the ability to chew and swallow.

Devoted fundraisers from Rossendale and Accrington are determined to give Tess and her family some magical times.

Helen said: "We are looking to what the next stage is now. She wouldn’t be able to tolerate a flight to Florida so we hope to take her on a Disney cruise around the Mediterranean. We are just trying to do these things to set targets and have things to look forward too. Thanks to so many kind people

"I have also been able to buy a buggy for Tess for when she starts at White Ash Specialist School In September."

You can donate to the Sullivan family in aid of Tess through the Paypal account 73HFRARXZJ3TG in the name of Helen Sullivan and the email address helensullivan@hotmail.co.uk.

You can also donate by making cheques payable to Helen Sullivan C/O St Peter’s Primary School, St Peter’s Road, Newchurch, Rossendale, Lancashire.