American doctors believe they could save the life of six-year-old cancer sufferer Robyn Brooks.

The youngster, whose fight for survival is being backed by Bradford pop star Gareth Gates, is in the USA visiting specialist consultants.

And Robyn has been told that treatment could still save her life - despite her suffering a serious relapse in January.

The news is a major boost to the Robyn Brooks appeal fund which is being promoted by Gareth and his family and has already raised around £13,000 from events across Bradford.

The money is earmarked to pay for 12 months of specialist treatment for Robyn in America, costing £500,000 - but consultants had feared Robyn's condition may have deteriorated since she suffered the relapse.

Doctors in the UK treat Neuroblastoma, the cancer which Robyn suffers from, as terminal. But today Joanne Holcroft, appeal co-ordinator, said one US consultant had been 'amazed' that Robyn is doing so well.

"With it being an aggressive form of cancer, it develops very quickly and the consultants in America wanted to check on her again since her relapse," she said.

"The consultant that she has seen said he was absolutely amazed by her condition and couldn't believe how well she was looking. He is still keen that Robyn takes up the treatment, and is confident that it could work.

"This is a big, big boost to all of us because this consultant had been very pessimistic about treating someone who was at such an advanced age of the illness as Robyn. It is brilliant that he still thinks he can treat her. She still seems to be very, very well in herself, although we will have to wait until they come home to find out the full details."

Joanne renewed her plea for more donations, with the total currently raised standing at £210,000 for Robyn, from Rochdale.

"We have got nearly halfway to our total in six or seven months - and that is entirely thanks to the people of Bradford and Rochdale," she said. "Now we need your help more than ever."

Meanwhile, a series of fundraising events have been arranged to take place in Bradford over the coming weeks.

On May 4, a host of celebrities including Billy Pearce and Gareth's sister Nicola Gates are due to take part in a fun day at the Woodlands pub in Mill Carr Hill Road, Oakenshaw.

There will also be a collection in aid of Robyn at the Bradford Bulls match against Salford, at Valley Parade on April 29.

Anyone who wishes to buy a Robyn badge or can offer help should call Angie Baker on (01274) 816712.