A young girl left with a fractured skull after being struck by a bus is making an "amazing" recovery.

Brigitta Hammell has spoken for the first time about the devastating incident involving her daughter Ellie last week - and how the community has rallied to support the family.

Eleven-year-old Ellie was stuck by a bus on the junction of Sneckyeat Road and Homewood Road, in Whitehaven, last Wednesday after going for an ice-cream.

She was taken to West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven by ambulance, before being airlifted to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, where she is still being treated.

Brigitta told the News & Star her daughter is suffering from "bruises on the brain and a linear fracture to the base of her skull", but was fortunate not to have suffered any broken bones.

Ellie has now been transferred from the high dependency unit at Alder Hey to a normal hospital ward.

"She has come on amazing," said Brigitta. "She's walking up and down, she's eating and drinking.

"In a few days, it's amazing what she's come through."

The Whitehaven mum has now thanked the community for rallying around to support the family during the difficult time.

Family friend Susan Haldane has set up a Crowdfunding page to raise £3,000, which will be used to help towards the family's additional costs.

Donations are pouring in and almost £1,400 has been raised so far.

"I'm so overwhelmed, I can't believe people have been so generous," said Brigitta.

"There are so many lovely people - in Whitehaven and beyond."

She said thanks goes to many people: those who have donated; the medical staff who have helped Ellie; and pupils at Jericho School, where Ellie attends, for their cards and good wishes.

Susan is calling on people to support Ellie and her family.

She said: " Whitehaven and surrounds are a passionate community and we want to show this family that we are all thinking of them and all sending our prayers and thoughts."

Susan added: "I want to thank everyone that has donated so far to help this cause."

A fundraising event is being held at the Mirehouse Labour Club on Thursday, March 23 from 7pm, including a raffle, tombola and bingo.

People can hand in raffle prizes or giftable items to Threads in Whitehaven.

Admission for the fundraiser will be by ticket, which are free but donations are welcome.

Contact Threads or Charles Maudling on 01946 822379 or go to Brave Ellie's Fundraising Group on Facebook for more details.

To donate online, visit www.justgiving.com and search for the Crowdfunding page in aid of Ellie.