A DEAF toddler whose future has hung in the balance has received the date for the operation to give her hearing for the first time.

Two-year-old Ellie McAnish, of Belthorn, who has been waiting for news of the operation since July will now undergo the cochlear implant operation at St Mary's Children's Hospital, Manchester, on January 18.

Sara McAnish, Ellie's mum, said she was "over the moon" that a date had finally be confirmed and the race to get Ellie the operation before the age of four was finally over.

Medical experts have said that if she does not get the implant before the age of four the pathways from the brain to the ears will close down and the operation would not be successful.

Sara, whom lives with husband Billy in Belthorn Road, said: "We are so relieved that a date has now been set. It really feels like we can all start living our lives again now.

"Ellie will only be in hospital for a couple of days after the operation and after a three-week healing period she will be fitted with the external part of the implant.

She will hear for the first time ever - it is just so amazing.

"I spoke to another parent whose child has undergone the same procedure and she told me that the first time they turn the implant on and you see the child's face is incredible."