The future is looking brighter for a six-year-old girl who was facing the prospect of further operations because of a rare condition that affects her sight.

The Comet: Louise Hogan with her daughters Ellie, 9 and Alex, aged six.Louise Hogan with her daughters Ellie, 9 and Alex, aged six. (Image: Archant)

Alex Hogan, of Abbotts Road in Letchworth and a pupil at Hitchin’s Highover JMI School, was unable to open her eyelids at birth because she was affected by bilateral ptosis – but after surgery at London’s specialist Great Ormond Street children’s hospital she developed partial sight.

At the time doctors told Alex’s mum Louise that her daughter would have to have more operations, but there has now been such a marked improvement in her sight that further ones are now not required.

Louise told the Comet: “My husband Terry, my other daughter Eleanor who’s nine, and I are so happy Alex won’t need any more operations on her sight.

“It’s definitely an early Christmas present. We’re absolutely delighted.

“She also featured in the Comet’s nativity supplement before Christmas and is looking forward to seeing herself in the paper this week, too!

“She’s such a brave girl. She loves being active and also takes part in ballet lessons and performances for the Lesnick School of Dance.”

Vickie Lesnick, the principal of the school which has classes in Hitchin and Letchworth, added: “I’m so happy for Alex and Louise.

“Alex has achieved a lot during her studies at my school. She’s appeared in my shows and galas and her next one will be at Stevenage’s Gordon Craig Theatre in February.

“She’s also taken many examinations in ballet and national folk dance including Polish, Hungarian and Russian.

“Alex is an absolute credit. She always listens carefully in class and works hard learning all the dances, she’s a joy and I’m so happy for her and her family.”

Alex added: “I’m very glad I don’t have to visit any more doctors or have any more operations.”