A teenage cancer patient who was sent home from hospital seven times before she was correctly diagnosed is to miss out on a Christmas at home because of her gruelling treatment.

Friends and family of 18-year-old Janine Davidson had hoped she would be allowed a break in her chemotherapy to return home to Eastbourne.

But doctors have said she must remain at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, where she is fighting cancer of the breast, liver and pelvis.

Family friend Irene Kelly, 47, of Avard Crescent, Eastbourne, said: "We really wanted her home for Christmas but she has just finished her third round of chemotherapy.

"It's a real blow because she has had a hell of a time. But she's still smiling. Her dad, Johnny, is also being really brave and we don't know where he gets his strength from."

Friends and family will instead go up to visit Janine during the festive season.

When Janine first went to hospital she was given painkillers and told her agony could be "psychological" because her mother had died of cancer six years ago.

It was only after an MRI scan, almost three weeks later, that her cancer was identified. Eastbourne District General Hospital has apologised for not admitting Janine sooner and launched an investigation.

In the meantime, events have been organised to raise money for a laptop computer for Sussex Downs College student Janine.

Mrs Kelly said: "The doctors are waiting until all her chemotherapy treatment is over until they say how things are going but we've got our fingers crossed she'll be well soon."