SCALDED three-year-old Cressida Marshall is back home after an horrific cafe accident left her with severe burns.

The toddler was queuing for breakfast with her parents in a supermarket cafe when a pot of boiling tea spilled over her -- and the screaming tot's skin peeled away as her mum removed her clothing.

Cressida, who had just celebrated her third birthday, suffered burns to her face, neck, shoulders, chest and back. She was rushed by ambulance to Bolton Royal Infirmary and later transferred to the burns unit at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, where she stayed until her release last Friday.

The incident occurred at 10.50am on June 13 as the Marshall family, of Hill Crescent, were paying for breakfast at the diner in Leigh's Asda superstore.

Cressida's mum, Joyce, said an impatient, elderly man pushed their tray out of the way, causing scalding water to pour on to Cressida. During the commotion, the man left the cafe.

Cressida's mum and dad, Edward, have been devastated by the accident.

Mrs Marshall said: "Our daughter asks why the man didn't say sorry. We teach our children manners and after such appalling behaviour, he hasn't even had the decency to apologise. I'm lost for words."

The Marshalls, who have six children between the ages of eight months and 14, have praised Asda's staff, particularly first aider Pam Blackledge, for their prompt action and support.

"When Cressida was screaming, I pulled her top off and when her skin peeled off with it, I realised how badly injured she was," said Mrs Marshall.

"Pam rushed to the scene and put her under cold water. She looked after her until the ambulance came five minutes later."

Cressida underwent skin grafts to most of her upper body and will have to undergo regular hospital visits for at least two years.

She is having physiotherapy and is on medication for the pain.

"Cressida will never forget this - she has the physical and mental scars to remind her every day," Mr Marshall said.

The family have nothing but praise for the staff who tended to their daughter at Alder Hey and are organising a motorbike run to raise money for McDonald House, which accommodates the families of hospitalised children.

Mrs Marshall said: "If we raise £1,000, we can have a plaque on the Tree of Life at Alder Hey, it could say 'From the people of Leigh'."

Donations can be put in the collection box at Leigh Asda.

An Asda spokesman confirmed the incident but declined to comment further. PICS of Cressida's injuries and bandaged up in hospital 'Our daughter asks why the man didn't say sorry' HORRIFIC BURNS: Cressida is still in pain from injuries she suffered last month IN PAIN: A bandaged Cressida sleeps in her hospital bed