Chase Vaughan has had what her mum hopes is her last operation before the long process of learning to walk again.

The seven-year-old underwent a one-and-a-half-hour operation to lengthen her calf muscles yesterday and will now spend three weeks in casts then three weeks in splints before being assessed by doctors.

After that, Chase will have to learn to walk all over again – until now she hasn't been able to put her heels to the floor.

Mum Helen Morgan led a remarkable fundraising campaign which raised the £40,000 needed for Chase's life-changing procedure in less than a year.

But she says the fundraising was only the first stage.

"Now the hard work begins with rehabilition. After the initial operation Chase was walking on her own so this has set her back a bit, but she was learning to walk on her toes," said Helen.

"It was the way she walked that meant her calf muscles were short. This will have such an impact on her walking and balance."

Helen said her overwhelming feeling was one of relief that Chase wouldn't have to go through another operation.

She was expected to spend last night (Tuesday) in hospital before being allowed home to start her recovery.