BATTLER Danielle Skilbeck celebrated her fifth birthday yesterday.

Today, Danielle, from Otley was due to appear on television's GMTV breakfast show - an inspiration to meningitis victims all over the country.

Danielle lost both legs from the knees down and both hands after falling victim to the deadly bug last year.

But the little girl has amazed her family and doctors by bouncing back and learning how to walk on her prosthetic legs.

Danielle, who has two sisters, Tia, two, and Jamie-Lee, who was born in April, had a party with 22 friends on Sunday at Playdays in Kirkgate, Otley.

Mum, Lyndsay Pollard, said Danielle was taking everything in her stride.

"She's really taking everything very well and doesn't seem bothered by all the attention. She's very confident and likes to talk."

Danielle, who had another party at home yesterday, was showered with presents including a radio operated car and lots of Barbie dolls.

"She really loves all the Barbie stuff, anything glamorous, " added Lyndsay.

Danielle goes to Ashfield Primary School every day except Wednesdays when she has physiotherapy.

Danielle had to have the lower parts of her legs and hands amputated after contracting meningococcal septicaemia in July last year. She was kept in St James's Hospital, Leeds, for five months until doctors gave her the all-clear.

l Heather Mills-McCartney, who herself has a prosthetic leg, offered the family her support after being contacted by the Wharfedale and Airedale Observer.