An Angus girl who had life-saving treatment is looking forward to some rest after returning home.
Elise Powell was born with Crouzon syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the fusion of certain skull bones and prevents them from growing normally.
The 10-year-old, who has already had corrective surgery twice, travelled to Liverpool last month with parents Danny and Nikkola for her most crucial operation yet.
Experts at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital fitted a metal frame to her skull in order to help guide Elise’s facial bones back into place.
The surgery was a resounding success and, after a two-week stay in hospital, the youngster is now back home recovering with her family.
Dad Danny, a former Arbroath and St Johnstone footballer, said: “It’s great to have her home. The operation went well and the doctors are happy with everything.
“The surgery is one of the biggest and most dangerous because it is so close to the brain. Normally with children, gaps are left to allow them to grow gradually, but Elise’s condition means that whenever her body finds a gap it just fills it with bone.
“The frame is just a prevention measure kind of like scaffolding to hold everything in place.
“The tough part is all of the travelling. It has been exhausting for her, but we are hoping after next week we will get a wee break.”
If left, the condition can lead to abnormalities in the development of vital organs, and can have a serious impact on the brain.
Elise will have to wear a metal brace around her head for at least three months during which time screws will be repeatedly tightened to reshape the bones in her skull.
The family returned to Liverpool for a check-up on Tuesday and will head back down for another next week.