The Evening Star in Ipswich has raised a total of £376,000 for burns victim Terri Calvesbert, and the figure is still rising.

As a baby, Terri suffered burns to 85 per cent of her body in a house fire in which flames swept through the family home in Ipswich in November 1998.

Doctors have since performed skin grafts and other operations over the years to rebuild Terri's face, as she lost her ears, nose and lips in the fire.

The Evening Star first launched a £5,000 appeal to raise cash for Terri's future needs.

But the response has exceeded everyone's expectations, with donations and wishes of support pouring in from across the world.

Features editor Tracey Sparling said: "I remember the day I first saw Terri being pushed in a buggy along a hospital corridor, swathed in bandages, and wondered what sort of future this little fighter could have.

"But as her strength slowly returned, her cheeky character emerged, and today she is a schoolgirl who loves singing and dancing, and has made lots of friends.

"Terri's courage - and that of her dad Paul, who won an Evening Star People Award in 2004 - continues to touch hearts today.

"The appeal's original target to collect £5,000 towards the extras she would need was soon blown away.

"As she gets older there are still difficult times ahead and our readers at home and abroad have given her a great gift of £376,000 in the trust fund, which will help her in whatever she chooses to do in future years."