Girl faces life-changing surgery

Ellie says she is looking forward to getting rid of the birthmark

A six-year-old Wiltshire girl is due to undergo surgery to remove a disfiguring birthmark from her face.

Ellie Brown, from Calne, has a huge dark mole across her right cheek and side of her nose.

Earlier this year, she had two balloons inserted into her face to help stretch the skin so there is enough to pull together when the mole is cut away.

Surgeons will remove the birthmark, known as a congenital melanocytic naevus, on Monday.

Apart from affecting her confidence, the naevus also poses a threat to Ellie's health.

Her parents have raised £10,000 towards their daughter's treatment.

Ellie told BBC News that the balloons had forced her to swap to sleeping on her left side.

But she said: "I'm excited because I want to get rid of it."