AN INSTITUTE for disabled children is planning to name a section of its new respite centre after a young girl who has died.

Little Elle-Mai Nablsy, who was born 16 weeks premature at Burnley General Hospital and diagnosed with cerebral palsy one year later, died last week aged six.

Her mum Kathryn, formerly of Milbrook Close, Burnley, said her little star' had touched the lives of many people in Burnley before her death.

The family moved to Somerset last year so that Elle-Mai could attend the world renowned British Institute of Brain Injured Children, an assessment and therapy centre for children with brain injuries and other conditions.

The institute, which is raising money for a new short stay respite centre, is in talks with Mrs Nablsy and her husband, Youseff, about naming a room or swimming pool in honour of Elle -Mai.

Mrs Nablsy said Elle-Mai, born weighing 1lb and 6oz and with heart, lung problems and other disabilities, had a fighting spirit.

She said: "We had six wonderful years with her. She was so happy and had settled into her school.

"She was sent onto this earth to teach everyone she met something and I would not change a thing about her, except I wish she had not gone through the pain she had."

Elle-Mai did not go to school on Monday because she had a slight cold.

Mrs Nablsy, who has two other children, Eanna, five, and Zack, 20 months, said: "She was fine the day before. She watched her favourite Disney film, The Ice Princess', but when we went to wake her up the next day she was no longer with us.

"She was a happy bright little girl and we are devastated by the loss. Her brother and sister miss her so much."

When the family lived in Burnley fundraising efforts by a Barnoldswick charity helped raise money for sensory equipment and a wheel chair.

Elle-Mai, who attended Westways and Holly Griove Schools before her family moved, became the owner of an eight foot penguin last Christmas. She had fallen in love with the toy in Asda Burnley, which was in store to promote the animated film Happy Feet.

Asda and Warner Brothers bosses agreed to donate the penguin.

A spokesperson for Asda Burnley said: "She was such a beautiful little girl and her passing is such a tragedy.

"Our thoughts go out to the family at this sad time."

A spokesperson for the brain institute said: "When we heard the news we thought naming part of the new centre after her would be a really nice way to keep her memory alive every day."

Elle-Mai's funeral will take place in Somerset next Thursday at 12 noon.