A little girl is learning to walk on her own after ground-breaking spinal surgery in America.

Paige Stewart, who has cerebral palsy, is taking her first independent steps after two operations which are not available on the NHS.

The five-year-old from Rainham could not stand or walk on her own.

VIDEO: Paige Stewart's recovery captured on film

The muscles in her ankles were so tight that, even with a frame, Paige found it difficult to get around.

But since having surgery at St Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri, USA, to reduce the stiffness in her legs, followed by another operation to lengthen her muscles, Paige has been able to walk using two tripod sticks.

She has even taken a few nervous sideways steps while holding on to furniture.

Paige has also been able to wiggle her toes, something she has not been able to do since she was a baby, and stand up by herself.

Mum Julie said: “She is still very weak in her legs but getting her strength back daily.”

A campaign started by mum Julie and dad David, and backed by the Medway Messenger, raised £45,000 to pay for the surgery.

If they had not started raising money, Paige would be facing life in a wheelchair, but doctors in the US believe she will eventually be able to walk by herself.

Around 100 children from the UK have undergone the same surgery at St Louis, pioneered by neurosurgeon Dr Tae Park.

"Dr Park said if the NHS had done muscle-lengthening on Paige two years ago she would have walked" - Julie Stewart

Dr Park is said to have completed more than 3,000 operations of this type, with a 100% success rate.

Mrs Stewart said: “Dr Park said if the NHS had done muscle-lengthening on Paige two years ago she would have walked, not easily but she would have.

“Up until the day we left the UK they refused to do that for her.

“The future now looks a lot brighter for Paige thanks to him.”

Paige touched the hearts of readers at Christmas 2014 when she wrote to Santa asking him to help her walk.

People from all over the Towns supported the appeal, with one anonymous donor giving a massive £20,000.

The fundraising will continue when Paige returns to the UK at the end of this month, to pay for physiotherapy sessions and specialist equipment.

Visit www.justgiving.com/paigestewartappeal to support the appeal.