A girl with a rare condition is going on the trip of a lifetime to meet her favourite Disney characters thanks to the generosity of her community.

April Benton, from Malton, is one of nine children in the world suffering from bilateral striatal necrosis, which affects her mobility. The three-year-old was diagnosed with the condition after contracting a virus last year.

A fundraising drive launched by House Martins Day Nursery, also in Malton, which April has attended since she was a baby, has since raised more than £10,000 to help April and her family enjoy a dream holiday in Disneyland Paris.

April’s mother Sarah said they were all very excited about the trip. She said: “We can hardly believe that it is here as we have talked about it for so long.

“April is really, really excited and looking forward to meeting her favourite characters and in particular Cinderella, along with Woody from Toy Story and Minnie Mouse.”

Sarah said there had been no deterioration in April’s health and her condition remained stable.

“She is doing well and the concerns we had with her speech are not an issue anymore,” she said.

“Everything is on track and where things should. Next year April will be going to a mainstream school, so everything looks promising at the moment.”

Sarah said she and husband Paul were looking forward to spending holiday time with April.

“We haven’t had a break for a long time, so it will be nice to go away and be together as a family unit,” she said.

House Martins Day Nurserys originally wanted to raise £1,000 and with the support of staff and members of the public, the target was beaten ten-fold. The fundraising events included a concert and sponsored cycle ride.

Sarah said: “We can’t say enough about what House Martins has done. Everyone involved in the fundraising, small or large has been fantastic. It is amazing the lengths they have gone to.”

Marsha Turnbull, nursery owner, said: “We are over the moon that we could do this. They will have an great time.”