A youngster left blind following complications after her birth has been hailed an inspiration as she raises money to help others with the disability.

Born three months prematurely, weighing just one pound and eight ounces and with hands the size of 5p pieces, seven-year-old Ella Sparrow is nothing short of a miracle.

Sadly, Ella's twin, Jacob, died three weeks after he was born, but despite spending her first year in hospital, Ella proved she was a born fighter.

As a result of further unexpected complications, Ella's retinas were irreparably damaged - she had lost her sight completely.

But, far from letting her disability get in her way, Ella enjoys swimming, riding and sailing and she and her family, of Baildon, have held coffee mornings and other fundraising events to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Now a guide-dog-for-the-blind puppy has been named after the youngster in honour of her remarkable courage.

The puppy is one being sponsored by the Andy Winterburn Foundation, a local charity set up by Mark Smith in memory of PC Andy Winterburn, who died in a tragic road accident whilst on duty in Bradford four years ago.

Mr Smith heard about Ella at a charity golf day to raise funds for the foundation at the Marriott Hollins Hall Hotel in Baildon, where the little girl's grandfather Martin Sherred is a golf course official.

Many months after the chance conversation Mr Smith called Mr Sherred to say the foundation had decided to name their next sponsored guide dog after his brave granddaughter.

Her mum, Sally Sparrow, said: "She has just got a will to live, there is just a purpose for her to be here. We have just had to make the best of the situation and try to get our heads around it and try to find where to go next for help and support.

"Guide Dogs for the Blind is obviously a charity close to our hearts."

One person who gives Ella much love and support is her six-year-old sister, Millie, who acts as Ella's "eyes". The pair are in the same class at Hoyle Court Primary School in Baildon, where Ella is described by her teachers as "a chatty, tenacious and inquisitive seven-year-old", but above all, she is admired for her courage.

Mrs Sparrow added: "Ella wants to be a nurse, I don't think Ella will let being blind hold her back, I don't think she would take any prisoners at all."

Ella said: "I enjoy science and crafts, horse riding and playing in the park with my friends."

Millie said: "Ella has a cane at school and I get it for her and I get her wipes for washing her hands. I just make sure she's OK and watch out for her."

Next week, Ella will meet the black Labrador puppy, being trained as a guide dog, which has been named in her honour.

Debbie Wheeler, of the Yorkshire branch for Guide Dogs for the Blind, said: "The charity receives no Government or Lottery funding and so we are totally dependent on people like Ella.

"Last year the charity celebrated its 75th anniversary and we hope the support continues so we can support people like Ella, who may need a guide dog, for the next 75 years."

If you would like to help Mark Smith to continue sponsoring more guide dog puppies through the Andy Winterburn Foundation e-mail him at: mark.smith@avonsideplumbing.co.uk