Two girls who have lost an eye due to a rare form of cancer are now helping other youngsters in the same situation.

Kate Bravery, seven, and six-year-old Isla Firth are starring in a DVD showing how easy it is to put in their artificial eyes.

Both suffered from retinoblastoma and were chosen as they struggled at first to adapt to having an artificial eye.

There are only about 40 cases of retinoblastoma diagnosed in UK each year.

The pair met and became friends through the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust, where Isla’s mum, Julie is a support worker.

Julie, of South Avenue, Gillingham, said: "They were approached by the retinoblastoma centre at the Royal London Hospital.

"The hospital thought they would be good examples to reassure other children that it doesn’t hurt, and to show practically how easy they can do it themselves and that there is no need to struggle."

Julie added: "We both feel extremely proud of the girls for not only taking part in this DVD but also for overcoming their own difficulties along the way in order to reach this stage.

"The other great thing to come out of this has been Isla and Kate’s blossoming friendship – no doubt they face tricky times ahead as they become older and more image conscious and it’s so nice to know they each have a friend nearby who understands whatever anxieties they may have in the future."

Kate’s mum Jenny, of Roosevelt Avenue, Walderslade, added: "As parents you want your child or children to be able to do their best with any task, it’s just unfortunate that our girls have to do something that luckily the majority of boys and girls will never have to do."