Members of the public are being urged to help fundraisers send a young cancer sufferer on a dream holiday to Disney World.

Appeal organisers are asking businesses to donate auction lots and raffle prizes and members of the public to support a fundraising evening in aid of Jessica Bell, 11.

Staff at the Five Flags Hotel vowed to help after hearing about the Cullingworth girl's cancer fight and her dream of going to Disney World.

They aim to raise £5,000 to send Jessica, her nine-year-old brother Tim, and their parents, Angela and Michael, to Florida.

The youngster, pictured with her mum, was diagnosed with Birkett's lymphoma - an aggressive form of cancer which causes tumours to develop in the body's lymph glands - in February.

The Cullingworth Primary School pupil is undergoing a course of chemotherapy treatment at St James's Hospital in Leeds, which is set to continue until Christmas.

Jessica, who goes home in between treatments, said: "Disney World is somewhere I've always wanted to go, so I'm very happy about what they're doing at the hotel.

"I'm looking forward to going on all the rides, meeting all the Disney characters and flying on an aeroplane, which I've never done before.''

Jessica's mother Angela said: "It's exceptionally kind of everyone at the hotel.

"We're hoping Jessica will be clear at Christmas and that we'll be able to take her after that. It's something positive for her to aim for.''

Angela, 34, added: "The treatment's going very well - all the tumours have gone and we're just waiting to hear whether the cancer's gone from her bone marrow and spine.

"The doctors have said her chances are very good but we're just taking it a day at a time.

"She's been in a lot of pain and the treatment's been very draining but she never complains, just gets on with things and takes her medicine when she's given it.

"She's been very brave and we're all very proud of her.''

The fundraiser at Culling-worth's Five Flags Hotel on Friday, June 7, will feature a disco, live entertainment an auction and raffle.

Anyone wanting to book a ticket or donate an auction lot, raffle prize or money to the appeal should call Tracy Cryer or Katrina Jubb on (01274) 834188.