A baby who underwent a liver transplant is to make her parent's Christmas.

Katy Martin, who has been in hospital since August when she had a liver transplant at King's College Hospital, London, is to go home for the holidays.

Katy has been recovering in St James's Hospital, Leeds, but her delighted parents, Wayne Martin and Nichola Lightowler have now been told they can have her over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The 17-month-old tot, who suffered from a rare liver condition, wriggled in her mother's arms as Nichola spoke of her overwhelming joy.

She said: "We are delighted that Katy is going to be with us.

"Last Christmas we brought her home for a short while but she became very ill and had to go back into hospital. Now she has had her liver operation we are hoping it will be much better.

"It is like having a new baby. Before the operation Katy had no energy and would lie for hours doing nothing. Now she is full of life, she is totally different, it is amazing."

Katy's room at the hospital is decorated with colourful posters of the Tweenies.

When photographed she smiled happily and tried to click her fingers, seemingly loving the attention.

Nichola, 30, who gave up her job as a flight attendant to look after her daugher, said: "She is very restricted because of the tube in her nose which is going to be there for a long time yet.

"She cannot do a lot of things that other toddlers can do but she is a fighter."

Although Katy's liver is now working properly the tot has other problems.

She is unable to drink enough milk and has to be kept on a drip at all times to avoid becoming dehydrated.

Nichola, pictured holding Katy, and her partner Wayne said they had been in a state of worry since their only child was diagnosed with liver complications at the age of 20 weeks.

They moved house from Burley-in-Wharfedale to Guiseley on the day Katy had her liver transplant and are now looking forward to a festive celebration at home.

Nichola said: "We have Katy's presents all wrapped up - she has lots of books, a rocking horse and Lego.

"But we have to take a lot of care. My family will be coming round but she is not allowed to be around children."

Nichola added: "We are very grateful for everything the hospital has done for us. There are not enough donors and we are just glad someone was able to help us."

A spokesman for St James's Hospital said: "We are delighted Katy will be able to spend Christmas at home. She is now able to spend more time with her parents and that is a step forward."