A THREE-year-old girl who urgently needs a hip operation is being offered support by the Helen Marie Friends charity.

Little Victoria Maguire, was born with a defect in her hip joint which makes it difficult for her to walk. She enters hospital in September to have the hip joint rebuilt, an operation which will result in her leg being covered in plaster from hip to toe for anything up to six months.

The operation means Victoria's parents, Linda and James, need to buy a special pram and have their car seat adjusted so that their daughter can be moved about while her leg is in plaster.

They had feared they might be unable to meet the spiralling costs of this specialist equipment. But when local children's charity, Helen Marie Friends, learned of Victoria's situation they have pledged to help raise money to buy the equipment.

Linda told the Star: "We don't know how long Victoria will be in plaster, it depends really on how quickly she heals. We are all very grateful to the Helen Marie Friends for their support".

Marjorie Hurst from Helen Marie Friends said: "We are here for any sick children like Victoria. It is important that people know where the money goes. Anyone who needs help or is in a similar situation can contact us".

Helen Marie Friends can be contacted on 01744 734155.