A MUM of a terminally ill child has been overwhelmed by the support of residents who have helped make her daughter's Christmas special.

The community in Brindley Avenue, High Wycombe came together on Tuesday to hold a Christmas event to raise money for the care of two-year-old Amber Jutla, who has Infantile Batten Disease.

There were food stalls, children's activities, a raffle, carol singing and an appearance from Father Christmas.

The money raised will go to Amber’s Wish - a charity set up by the Downley family to provide care and create memorable experiences for Amber.

Her mum, Caroline, said: "It went fantastically well. We were so pleased. We have definitely raised over £1,500 and we still have to do a final count.

"We had all the children from The Disraeli School come and sing, which was really lovely. "It was like a stampede. We didn't stop really after that. We had the Brass Band from The Salvation Army come, which was great.

"Everyone was really supportive."

Caroline said Amber enjoyed the afternoon, especially when the children were singing.

She said: "Because she can't see she responds so well to lots of noise and music. "She was sat with a smile on her face in front of all the children singing."

Thieves had stolen a 16 foot tree planted outside the old Masters pub in Brindley Avenue ahead of the event but on learning of the heartless crime Ben Mason, who sells Christmas Trees in Aston Clinton, donated a tree which was decorated over the weekend.

The original tree had been paid for by Tara News, with the help of a grant from bakery brand Kingsmill.

Caroline said: "One bad person took the tree but the good people completely outweigh the bad. "There are lots of lovely people around here, which has been just so heart warming."

She said strangers even pitched in to help when they saw there was an event going on.

Raaj Chandarana, who runs Tara News which organised the #LetsMakeDisraeliChristmassy event, said: "We have been inundated with positivity and good feedback.

"We had people who just came along when they realised we were having a BBQ and helped us out with the washing up and collecting rubbish.

"There was a great sense of community spirit. It is what is lacking in communities these days. A a shop I believe it is our duty to push things like that.

"Amber is a local girl and this raises funds and awareness for her."

Caroline added: "I would like to thank everybody who came who helped make it such a memorable day for our family.

"It will be a really special Christmas for Amber."