A baby who was born at just 23 weeks weighing 1lb 3oz is celebrating her first birthday today.

Demi-Leigh Dearn was kept alive on a ventilator, but a year later she has beaten the odds to reach her first birthday milestone, although she has spent her entire life in hospital.

To celebrate she will be having a party with family and friends at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Demi-Leigh has endured major surgery, including an operation to close a valve under her heart, as well as a tracheotomy, which made an opening in her windpipe.

Mother Emma Williams, aged 21, from Oldbury, said: “I never thought I would see this day.

“I always thought the worst, but she is a fighter and a little miracle.”