BRAVE Amber Bentley was at her desk today, just like any other schoolgirl.

But it was only a year ago that the five-year-old battled back from death's door, after doctors discovered she had a brain tumour.

She was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary and just days later had an 11-hour operation to save her life.

Her parents, Paul and Karen, of Saxton Place, Almondbury, prepared themselves for the worst - but their little angel refused to give up and now her life is almost normal.

Paul says he still has nightmares about Amber's struggle.

"When she came back from the operation she was so swollen and did not look like our daughter," he said.

"Sometimes even now when I close my eyes I see her like that.

"Thank God she is getting better."

Amber still has to have regular checks, but her parents are praying she is going to make a full recovery.

And now they are to raise cash for the Andrea's Gift charity.

It is the only one in the UK that pays for research into childhood brain tumours like that which almost killed Amber.

AMBER'S family are planning to raise money for the Andrea's Gift charity, which is the only one in the UK to pay for research into childhood brain tumours.

They have already organised raffles and they say there is more fundraising to come.

If you would like to give money to the charity, or find out how you can help, log on to www.andreasgift.org.uk or phone 01274 785092.