A desperately-ill girl who can no longer walk has been trying to take steps again with the help of her parents.

Holly Clarke, who is battling killer Batten's Disease, which leads to the progressive deterioration of the brain and nervous system, has almost lost her eyesight, cannot walk unaided and her speech is restricted to a handful of words.

But the five-year-old has surprised her family by trying to walk as footage of her was being taken to send to medics in New York where she hopes to receive pioneering treatment for the crippling disease.

Holly, who had not tried to walk since last September, has been tested for her suitability for the treatment which could halt the disease's progress, and her family were asked to send footage of her before she returns to America for the treatment.

Holly's dad Darren, of Derwent Road, said: "I talk to her every night and before we filmed her I told her she should try to walk and that if she gets the treatment she can stay with us so much longer and have a better life, and she kept looking up at me.

"We supported her and held her arms and she tried to move her legs. We persevered and her legs started making movements and she took steps.

"We were gob-smacked and there were a few tears. It had been so long since she had even attempted to do that."

Holly's eyesight has almost gone and she had not spoken for more than six months but she thrilled her parents recently when she said "mum" and a handful of other words.

"There was a long period when she was very sombre and would not laugh - she would just smile when she danced," said Darren, 34. "But now she will let out a big shout and she starts belly laughing."

As the family were still celebrating Holly's small steps, stilt walkers strode out to support a pub crawl in Bradford to raise money for her trust fund on Bank Holiday Monday.

Family and friends joined stilt walkers from Bradford's Urban Circus to raise funds for Holly with a pub crawl around Eccleshill, Undercliffe, Bolton Junction and Five Lane Ends.

Youngsters were treated to face painting, balloon modelling and circus workshops from Urban Circus at the Swing Gate pub, Idle Road, Bolton Junction.

Well-wishers have raised more than £30,000 for Holly since she was diagnosed with the killer disease about a year ago.

There is no known cure for Batten's disease, but Holly's family has been given fresh hope of halting the degeneration after Holly was tested to trial a pioneering treatment in New York.

Earlier this year Holly underwent a series of blood tests, X-rays and scans at Cornell University's Weill Medical College in New York to see if she is suitable for the pioneering treatment which is being run through the American-based Nathan's Battle Foundation.

Her family are now waiting to hear when she will be able to return for the treatment.

Fundraisers are holding a sponsored walk and run on June 12 from Skipton to Apperley Bridge. Anyone who would like to take part can call Darren Clarke on 07958 063276.