A BRAVE little girl who struggles to open her eyes due to a rare disability has been left delighted by a dream visit to Farnworth Fire Station.

Skye Cunningham is only three but throughout her life has cherished a desire to meet a real fireman.

The determined youngster loves the fire brigade so much that she has her own miniature fire officer's uniform which she refuses to take off.

Skye's mum, Lesley, and grandmother, Viv, arranged the visit as a special treat to make up for the endless visits to hospital she has had to endure since she was just one week old.

Skye, of Wardley Avenue, Little Hulton, was born with a rare condition called Saethra Chotzens Syndrome, which has left her with no muscles in her eyelids. She now has to tilt her head back to be able to see.

The determined youngster must wait until she is older to undergo surgery to correct the condition.

In the meantime, Skye has undergone numerous operations at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, to aid her development.

Her proud mother said: "Skye has really been through it but she has been very brave. We are all very proud of her.

"Since she started to walk she has loved fire engines and firefighters, so this visit has been wonderful."

Sub officer Ian Metcalf said: "We always like to see children take an interest in the fire service. It was great to see Skye enjoy herself so much."