16095/1GAZETTE & HERALD: BRAVE little Ellie Brown is back home after a four-hour operation that will change her life.

Fifteen weeks after two balloons were inserted under her skin, the Calne schoolgirl had a major operation, which her parents hope will remove part of a large birthmark on her face.

Six-year-old Ellie, of Severn Close, was born with the rare birthmark, known as a congenital melanocytic naevi, covering her right cheek and side of her nose.

The first stage of the procedure to get rid of the mark was a tissue expansion operation back in February.

Two balloons were inserted under the skin on her forehead and right cheek, which, when inflated, stretched the skin.

On Monday, the birthmark was cut away and the excess skin pulled across her face.

Her dad, Paul, said after the operation from the Cromwell Hospital in London: "She's a bit tired and she's still got her bandage on. We are just waiting to hear from the surgeon, but he's quite pleased with what he's done. She's doing very well."

Ellie's mother, Sam, told the Gazette last week that Ellie is more worried about getting better for her birthday next Thursday.

The couple have been by Ellie's side throughout the ordeal and were looking forward to her being back at home.

Ellie, a pupil at Fynamore School, will need three, possibly four, operations on her face. After Monday's surgery she will now need a skin graft on her eye and lip and a nose reconstruction.

Ellie, who has a four-year-old sister Lauren, has already had five unsuccessful operations on the NHS.

She is now being treated by a specialist at a cost of £35,000 and her parents have re-mortgaged their house to fund the operation.

Her teachers and friends have been organising fundraising events to help with the cost.

And generous people have been ringing the Gazette asking how they can contribute. Mr Brown said: "It's just fantastic that people want to do that for us."

To help raise funds 20 staff at Fynamore School organised a 24-hour lock in, staying on the premises between 8.30am on Friday until 8.30am on Saturday. The effort was one of several ways the school is raising money and Year 6 teacher Nicola Franklin, who took part, said they have already raised around £3,000 from activities. "We are so pleased with what we have raised so far but we hope to make a lot more," she said.

The teachers' sleep over on Friday night made £2,000 towards the total, with bag packing at Asda and donations generating the rest.

Staff stayed in the classrooms and offices and ordered a curry from the Spice of Bengal in Wood Street. Mrs Franklin said they paid £10 a head into a kitty for the meal, but restaurant owner Ala Uddin, a parent at the school, generously gave them a 30 per cent discount so all the money left in the kitty could be added to the funds.

Mrs Franklin said: "Generally as a school our outlook is we want to do something for the family and make a little contribution to their lives."

There is a car boot sale at the school on Saturday with all proceeds going towards Ellie's operation. Set up starts at 8am and the public are welcome from 9am. You don't have to book a place, just turn up on the day.

On May 29 a charity football match, buffet and disco has been organised at the Calne Football and Social Club. Tickets cost £5, available on the door.