Amber is smiles better.

DOCTORS have given a 10year-old girl back her smile after a life-changing brain operation.

Amber Sisson has a rare genetic disorder that causes contortions and involuntary movements.

The condition, known as PANK 2, or Hallervorden-Spatz disease, is progressive and crippling.

Two weeks ago, Amber's body was in permanent spasm. Her head was thrown back in a dramatic forced pose and her face distorted, turning smiles into grimaces.

She could not stand on her own, speak coherently, dress or feed herself.

But luckily Amber was suitable for a radical form of treatment known as deep brain stimulation (DBS).

The procedure had previously been confined to adults in the UK.

French surgeons, who pioneered DBS for children, advised doctors at the Evelina Children's Hospital in London, where Amber's operation was done.

Now, Amber, from Nottingham, can sit up straight, stand unaided for short periods and, best of all, smile.

She also has enough control of her arms to give her mum and dad a hug.

Mum Amanda, 34, said: "It's the best Christmas present I've ever had

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HUG: Amber with dad Justin and mumAmanda