Teenager agrees to medical tests

The trials are taking place in Scotland

A teenager from Somerset who has a rare facial paralysis is taking part in Scottish medical trials to try to help find the cause.

Emma Gratton, 13, from Taunton, suffers from facial palsy, otherwise known as Moebius Syndrome, and has only learnt to smile after years of therapy.

Her father, Ian, said: "The smile came slowly. One side of mouth began to move better. You can imagine the elation."

About one in two million people suffer from Moebius Syndrome in the UK.

'No answers'

Her mother Sally added: "It's important for other mothers to find out what causes the condition.

"The not-knowing is hard. There are no answers."

Emma's condition means she can hardly move her eyes and cannot shut them properly to sleep.

Her facial movements are also limited.

According to the Moebius Syndrome Foundation in the US, sufferers also have problems frowning and blinking.