THE mum of a five-year-old girl told by doctors she could lose the ability to walk by her teens is appealing for help to get her daughter to a specialist centre.

Taylor Rayson, of Allan Critchlow Way, Rishton, suffers from spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy which is expected to leave her in a wheelchair by the time she is 13, as doctors say her legs will not be strong enough to carry her weight.

But a centre in Bedfordshire offers a rehabilitation treatment which could strengthen Taylor's muscles to keep her walking. Now her mum Clare is to hold a series of charity events to help bring in the much-needed funds.

The first event takes place tonight at the Roebuck Inn, High Street, Rishton, and is due to feature a covers band and a raffle.

The Physiotherapy Centre charges £1,100 for a two-week booking, but can also run shorter sessions.

Taylor, who attends Rishton St Peter and St Paul's CE Primary School, Arundel Street, is supported by a helper at school.

Clare said: "She is such a happy child and doesn't let it affect her at all. I told her she was going on a special holiday to help her but she just looked at me and said, but I don't need to go on a holiday."