A little girl whose dream is to be able to walk like her friends received well wishes from a Spice Girl before her major operation.

Six-year-old Ellice Barr from Deal, who has cerebral palsy, spoke to Emma Bunton - otherwise known as Baby Spice - on a London radio show just hours before her selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital, on Friday.

In a three minute chat, the youngster won the hearts of the famous singer and her Heart co-presenter Jamie Theakston before they both wished her good luck.

Dad Joe Barr took the opportunity in front of thousands of listeners to praise the efforts of the community who have helped fund the procedure through donations and fundraising events.

It aims to reduce the spasticity in Ellice’s legs helping her to walk unaided.

He said: “We live in a coastal town called Deal. The town’s got a massive heart.

“Everyone’s met Ellice, come together as a town and helped us on our way.”

Ms Bunton responded saying: “That’s absolutely incredible.”

Mr Barr has told KentOnline that Ellice’s operation was a success and she has now begun her rehabilitation course, which for the first week includes two physiotherapy sessions a day.

He said: “Ellice is doing great. The operation was a success and there were no concerns from the doctor.”

The Dover Aldi manager and his wife Amy who live in Magness Road, Deal, have written a letter of thanks to the community, which can be read in this week's Mercury - out today.

They say: “As her parents we cannot express enough how grateful we are to you.

“The support the town has shown our little girl has made us feel very humble, emotional and lucky.

“We want to say to you all a massive thank you from us, Ellice and the rest of our family.

“You have made a little girl’s wish come true.”

Donations continue to come in for Ellice's Wish to Walk.

The cash raised now after her life changing operation will be used to fund costly rehabilitation.

Among the recent donations is £200 from The Farrier pub, £500 from the male voice choir at Walmer Baptist Church and £193 from Knitting For The Needy.

Mr and Mrs Barr, Ellice and her big brother Jay launched Ellice's Wish to Walk to raise £65,000 in November.

They went on to become the chosen charity of Deal’s Boxing Day Dip with other local groups and individuals offering to hold events from coffee mornings to marathons.

A huge boost came in April when grant fundraiser Colin Smith helped secure £10,000 from the Rooney Foundation, run by Clare and Paul Rooney, in association with Kent Community Fund.

That month Ellice was given the VIP treatment as a mascot at the family's beloved Millwall Football Club.

Carried out by her hero Jed Wallace, the resulting boom in awareness sent the six year old well on her way to having last week's operation.

The family held an appreciation night in June to say thank you to significant supporters.

Mr Wallace and has his family made a surprise appearance at the bash and he has invited Ellice to return to the Den when she is physically able to walk out

For more on Ellice’s progress, like ‘Ellice’s Wish to Walk’ on Facebook