It was the smile that captured the hearts of Bradford people.

And today brave Chloe Hudson couldn't keep the grin from her face as she opened a special present to celebrate her 13th birthday.

Little Chloe, of Dudley Hill, suffers from crippling mental and physical disabilities which have baffled doctors and left her unable to walk, talk, or even sit up in a chair.

But until now her parents Peta and Roy have been unable to afford the rare specialist toys which Chloe, pictured, so loves - and relies on to keep her awake.

Earlier this year, Peta told the Telegraph & Argus of her dream of buying a set of fibre-optic lights for Chloe to mark her 13th birthday.

And today Barbara Mann, owner of a dance school which held a charity concert to raise funds for Chloe, helped make that dream come true.

Mrs Mann visited the family home in Longfield Drive to hand over the gift of a lifetime. And Chloe's beaming smile said a million thank yous.

"It is absolutely gorgeous and Chloe loves it," said Peta today. "She woke up in the morning and we had managed to get the toy into her bedroom with the lights on. When she opened her eyes she got so excited. She was immediately wide awake and she stayed awake for ages.

"It is something that she can really enjoy and take something from. I would really like to thank everybody who has helped make this possible. I just cannot believe how generous people have been."

And Peta said the whole family were just relieved that they were able to celebrate Chloe's birthday together.

"She is going to have some nice trifle which she really enjoys and will spend the day playing with her lights," she said.

"We have bought her some clothes and things to put in her hair, so it should be a very special day for her.

"I am just glad that she has made it to 13. I can't believe that she is going to be a teenager. There have been times when I never believed she would make it this far."

And Mrs Mann, whose dance academy raised more than £500 to pay for the toy at its successful musical revue at St George's Hall, said she was delighted to have helped out.

"The lights really had a great effect on Chloe and it was absolutely lovely to see her face," she said.