A 4-year-old girl who suffers from chronic lung disease has been able to visit Santa’s Grotto for the first time after she was personally invited by Father Christmas.

Isabella Chan, who is cared for by Julia’s House children’s hospice, has a deteriorating lung condition which means she needs to be attached to an oxygen tank to help her breathe.

Mum Erica can only carry one of the canisters at a time so Isabella isn't able to queue up with children to meet Father Christmas.

But Isabella's Christmas wishes came true when Santa invited her for a private visit at Durrington Fair Grotto last week.

Santa contacted Julia's House because he remembered meeting the star of the charity's Christmas campaign when she was a baby at Salisbury Hospital.

He said: “We were absolutely delighted that Isabella was able to join us and meet me in my Grotto, something that she hasn’t been able to do before.

“She really is a lovely little girl and I understand from her mum that she really enjoyed herself.”

Along with other specialist Julia’s House nurses and carers, Molly Douglas provides essential respite care breaks for the family at home.

Molly said: “Isabella was so excited to tell us she had met Father Christmas – she said it was awesome!

“It’s really amazing for Bella to have these opportunities and experiences, and to help get her excited for Christmas.

“It’s been a challenging year for them and so many other families, so it’s more important than ever right now that she has some happy times to enjoy with her mum.”