A big-hearted couple have made a dream come true for battling Hayley Finch - by asking her to be a bridesmaid at their wedding.

And this afternoon the ten-year-old brittle bone disease sufferer - who has had more than 150 fractures during her life and can be left with broken bones by a simple knock or fall - was following Tracey Coulson down the aisle at historic Saltaire United Reformed Church.

Tracey and her fiance, Richard Bell, have been kept up to date with Hayley's progress via the youngster's aunt Julie Kendall - Tracey's best friend and her matron of honour - and stories in the Telegraph & Argus.

And although they had never even met her they asked the Shipley youngster to do the honours on their big day after learning that she had always wanted to be a bridesmaid but was unlikely to get the opportunity.

In the past Hayley has been confined to a wheelchair for much of the time but thanks to the progress she has made since starting a pioneering drug treatment - aimed at strengthening her bones, reducing fractures and easing pain - she was set to walk down the aisle.

Hayley, a pupil at Wrose's Low Ash Primary School, said: "I've never been a bridesmaid before and it's something I've always wanted to do but all my aunties are married already so I didn't think I'd ever get the chance.

"I've got a really pretty pale blue dress with a hoop underskirt and I'm looking forward to walking down the aisle with a big grin.

"I can't wait and just want to say a big thank you to Tracey and Richard for asking me.''

Tracey, a 23-year-old nursing home cook who lives in Heaton, said: "It gets me how Hayley just carries on with things in spite of everything.

"We asked her to be bridesmaid because it looked as if she'd never get the chance - it just makes the day even more special for everyone and I'm sure she'll do us proud.''

Hayley's mother, Carol Finch, of Gaisby Mount, Wrose, said: "Hayley was absolutely chuffed to bits when they asked her.

"It's a lovely gesture - especially as they don't even know her - and they've even invited us and my mum and dad so we can watch her.

"At one time we never thought she'd be able to walk down an aisle herself but thanks to the treatment she's doing really well with her walking so it will be quite emotional watching her.

"Her bone density's increased a lot over the last year and she's getting far fewer breaks so we're just hoping she'll be okay and won't end up in pot for the ceremony.''