A BRAVE little girl with a rare genetic disorder faces a second gruelling operation on her spine.

Seven-year-old Alice Sprigg from Swanage suffers neuro-fibromatosis which has caused the secondary condition scoliosis, or curvature of the spine.

Alice has had to wear a supportive body brace since she was 17 months old but a sudden increase in curvature meant she had to undergo surgery last November.

She was facing her second operation today (August 26) at Southampton Hospital as the first operation only proved partially successful.

The operation to insert metal pins to hold her spine is normally only carried out on teenagers and carries the risk of Alice being left unable to walk.

Her father Laurence said: "The operation is as serious as last time and she will be in hospital for three or four weeks.

"Hopefully it will be more of a success than last time. It will certainly help - she has had to take painkillers ever since last November."

Alice has been unable to attend St Mark's First School, Swanage, since her first op and has been having lessons at her home in High Street.

Her mother Lynn, who is at her bedside in hospital, wrote a touching poem in tribute to her youngest daughter's courage.

All four of Lynn's children have been affected by neurofibromatosis in different ways and Lynn only became aware she had the condition herself following the birth of her third child.

Laurence said: "The operation is to correct the top part of the spine but it means she has to go through the whole thing again.

"She is very good and she is very high spirited - she takes it all in her stride. She has had to put up with it since she was 18 months old."

First published: August 26