A teenager who is trying to raise £20,000 to buy herself new artificial legs is being backed by celebrity model Heather Mills.

Laura Campbell is pictured with her mum, Chrisie. Laura had her legs amputated when she was 18 months old and learned to walked with artificial limbs.

The 16-year-old, of Crossflatts, who suffers from Thrombocytopenia Radial Aplasia - a rare syndrome which can cause skeletal, blood or heart abnormalities - e-mailed her idol Heather and was delighted when she gave her a surprise call.

"We were on the phone for three-quarters of an hour and we had so much to chat about," said Laura, of Crossflatts.

"I can't believe I've spoken to her, she's been my role model for so long. She gave me some advice about dealing with the discomfort of wearing artificial legs and recommended some special blister plasters which I'll definitely be getting.

"We talked about the availability of cosmetic legs on the NHS and she agreed that amputees should be able to get them."

Heather, who recently married former Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney, had a leg amputated after a road accident.

Laura said Heather also said she would visit her when she was next in Yorkshire.

"As Heather's based in London and I go down there quite a lot to the Great Ormond Street Hospital she said to contact her when I next go and we'll get together," said Laura.

"She really made my day and gave me so much support and advice and encouraged me to keep up the fundraising."

Anya Noakes, Heather's publicist, said Heather was keen to speak to Laura.

"They had a very long chat and Heather said she really enjoyed speaking to Laura," she said.

Laura's friends and family launched an appeal in April to provide her with state-of-the-art cosmetic legs. Last month a fun day at the Ramada Jarvis Bankfield Hotel in Cottingley boosted the fund by £700.

So far about £8,000 has been raised through a variety of events including a fun day at The Coniston pub in Idle organised by the White Rose Motorcycle Club.

Rider Mick Pelon, who also has artificial legs, also took Laura into the pub on his bike. The event raised £850.