A 13-year-old girl has achieved an A* in German GCSE after battling back from a rare brain tumour.

The parents and teachers of Dani Hall, of Birkenshaw, Bradford, were today celebrating the amazing result and spoke of how proud they were of the youngster, who had to learn how to walk and talk again after having the tumour removed.

Dani was six-years-old when she started feeling sick and getting headaches.

Her parents, Fiona and Chris, took her to Dewsbury District Hospital where a malignant tumour on her brain stem was diagnosed.

Mrs Hall, said: "It was such a shock and a terrible time."

Dani was taken to Leeds General Infirmary where she underwent an eight and a half hour operation to remove the tumour and there followed a five-week stay in intensive care and the uphill task of learning how to walk, eat and talk again.

She also faced six weeks of radiotherapy at Cookridge Hospital, Leeds, to make sure the tumour would not reappear.

That was six years ago and Dani, who only has a few residual problems from the tumour, receives yearly check-ups. "Doctors are very happy with her," said Mrs Hall.

During her recovery Dani received the help and support of teachers at her school, Leeds Girls' High School where she has worked hard to catch up - and surpass - her peers.

"She could not even add two and two together at first," said Mrs Hall.

"For her to get an A* is very good for her self-motivation and her self-esteem."

Dani grew up speaking German after her mum, who has a German mother, completed a degree in German and Russian at Bradford University in 1988 and decided she wanted her children to be bilingual.

Dani's sister Sylvie, who is 14, has also achieved an A grade in German at AS level.

Pam Hutley, a senior teacher at the school, said: "Having to start learning again she is thrilled to have taken an early GCSE and to have passed at such a high level.

"The school is delighted by her result which is a tribute to her determination and courage."