STAFF and parents at the nursery attended by deaf toddler Ellie McAnish have raised £250 for her in a raffle.

Beechwood Day Nursery, Roman Road, Blackburn, sold tickets to youngsters' parents and staff to win a luxury hamper.

The appeal was started after two-year-old Ellie was turned down for a cochlear implant operation which could save her hearing after health bosses said did not have enough cash, sparking fears it could ruin her chances of a normal life.

Ellie's parents Sara and Billy faced an agonising wait to see if funding could be found to give their daughter a chance to escape a life of silence.

The cash was finally awarded earlier this year and a date is being set for the operation.

Despite the good news, the nursery decided to keep going with the appeal to give the family extra cash to spend on Ellie. They plan to present a cheque to Ellie's parents at a ceremony next week.

Nursery spokesman Alison Singleton said: "All the staff chipped in to donate prizes and to buy tickets."