A girl suffering from a brain tumour was the guest of honour at a children's charity's cycle race which raised £25,000.

Zara and Zoe with some of the cyclists

Zara Gabriel, five, of Hook Norton, north Oxfordshire, is recovering from an operation to remove a brain tumour.

She is receiving chemotherapy, and a nurse from the charity CLIC (Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood) calls at her home to help with the treatment.

Staff from Initial Style Conferences, of Staverton, Daventry, organised a 400-mile sponsored cycle race, visiting the company's 28 branches over five days.

Zara was chosen to represent CLIC and greet the cyclists by waving the chequered flag at the finishing line.

Zara is being treated for cancer of the optic nerve.

Her mother Zoe said: "A CLIC nurse visits us regularly to help with the chemotherapy. She is invaluable."

She said Zara lost her sight in late 2001 and a tumour on the optic nerve was diagnosed.

The family, who were living in Norfolk, moved to Hook Norton earlier this year to be near relatives.

Mrs Gabriel said: "The nurse will visit us for the rest of Zara's treatment -- another year at least. These nurses are wonderful. They are fantastic people."

Mrs Gabriel added: "Zara has a great fighting spirit -- that's why she was chosen to represent CLIC at this event."