THE family of a brave schoolgirl who has overcome cancer twice are hoping for a special New Year with the chance for her to live without the illness for good.

The parents of 10-year-old Becky Baxter had to cancel her 10th birthday party after starting treatment on her cancer for the second time in two years.

Today they thanked the fund-raisers who collected more than £2,000 to pay for a dream holiday to Disneyland Paris.

Becky underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and an operation in the summer to remove the cancerous cells from her bladder and pelvis.

It was the second time Becky, a pupil at St John's Primary School, Great Harwood, had undergone treatment.

The cancer was found the first time in 1998 during an appendix operation.

Then, more than £5,000 was raised by locals to send the family for the holiday of a lifetime in Australia.

And within days of people finding out the cancer had returned in March, people were busy raising cash again to help Becky and her family cope after mum Karen was forced to leave her job to look after her sick daughter.

Karen said: "We were overwhelmed with what people did. Around £2,000 was raised and it has really helped us. "We went to Disneyland Paris with Becky after she had finished the treatment.

"She had a scan a few weeks ago which showed the cancer was in remission again, which was great news.

"We are now hoping that it stays away for good."

Becky once visited Lapland after being awarded the trip by the Wish Upon A Star charity.

The chemotherapy, which uses drugs to tackle the disease, and radiotherapy, where her body will be shielded by lead apart from the area affected once again, cost Becky her hair.

Plans for her 10th birthday party had to be scrapped when doctors realised the cancer had come back.

Being around other children was banned because the cancer had eroded her immune system, meaning even the slightest cold could has serious effects on her.

Charity fun days and sponsored events were held in Rishton, Great Harwood and Clayton-le-Moors.

And Becky was chosen by her classmates to open the new Co-op supermarket in the summer.

Karen added: "Becky is now back at school and she looks so much better than she did before.

"It was a shame we couldn't have a party but we couldn't risk it.

"We are just happy she is better and were determined to make this Christmas the best ever for her."