She may be only six - but Ella Baskerville has already helped repay her debt of thanks to hospital staff who cared for her as a newborn baby.

The youngster has designed a new Christmas card featuring Rudolph to raise money for the special care baby unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, where she was born.

Ella, a pupil at Wheatley Primary School, was one of twins and was admitted to the intensive care nursery, because she was so tiny.

The unit helps more than 800 babies every year, most of whom have been born prematurely and need intensive care.

For the past four years the nursery, through the charity SSNAP (Support for the Sick Newborn and their Parents), has sold its own Christmas cards - designed by children.

This year Ella's design was chosen as the best from more than 70 entries from children across the county.

The card is now being printed up and will be on sale at the hospital, schools and bazaars and through the SSNAP mailing list.

The charity hopes the cards, which cost £2.50 for a pack of ten or £7 for three packs, will raise more than £800.

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