A WORCESTER baby who has spent her first seven months in a hospital bed is being given the ultimate festive gift - Christmas at home.

Lauren Davis has spent only three days at her city home since being born with a rare digestive problem in May.

But doctors at Birmingham's Diana, Princess of Wales Children's Hospital, have given the go-ahead for her to come back to Worcester.

"It's the best Christmas present we could have," said Lauren's mother Amanda Cornes, who has been living in hospital accommodation so she can tend to her daughter.

"I can't believe after all this time we can go home."

After being born at Worcester Royal Infirmary, it became clear that Lauren had problems as she was unable to keep her food down and suffered with vomiting and diarrhoea.

Since being transferred to Birmingham her illness has been investigated, but its causes have still not been discovered.

Amanda has been trained in feeding the tot through a system called the parenteral line, so Lauren can have all the nutrients she needs.

Other members have also been taught the operation of the system, to help look after the six-month-old tot.

She will continue to need specialist help throughout the years until they find a cure for her.

To add to the joy for Amanda and Andy Davis - Lauren's father - the couple were given a council house in Essex Close, Dines Green, at the begining of this month. It is just a few minutes walk from Amanda's parents' home.

"Relatives have been working hard to get the house ready for Lauren's first Christmas," said Amanda. "They've been a great help to Andy and me."

Josie Cornes, Lauren's grandmother, said it would be a Christmas to remember.

"We're just so excited to have her home," she said.

"It's a relief, even though we know there's going to be a lot of hard work involved."