The family of a terminally-ill five-year-old are organising a Christmas concert to raise cash for medical equipment.

Sacha Skinner suffers from a rare condition of the nervous system and is unlikely to live beyond the age of 12.

Her mother, Annette Dacosta, 37, is hoping to raise thousands of pounds worth of medical equipment for their Brighton home.

Ms Dacosta and Sacha's father, Neil Skinner, were already planning a series of fund raisers for the youngster when a friend suggested a Christmas concert at the parish church of St Paul in West Street, Brighton, on December 21.

Ms Dacosta, a childminder, said: "Sacha is a very happy child and lives in her own world but I think there are time she gets frustrated when she sees other children running around and she can't.

"If we could get a walker for her I would not have to be with her constantly as I do now and she could move around the house on her own.

"There is a lot of equipment that Sacha needs at home to make it easier for all who are involved in her care."

Sacha began developing the symptoms of Batten Disease two years ago.

She started having seizures and was diagnosed with epilepsy but it wasn't until this summer that the illness was diagnosed.

She has already lost most of her vocabulary and is only able to say one word at a time.

She used to be potty trained but has now reverted to nappies and her mother has to carry her up the stairs several times a day.

In October The Argus reported how Sacha's parents wanted to send her to the United States for gene replacement therapy.

She would be treated at Cornell University in New York. The family need £10,000 to live there for one month but the therapy's success depends on which of Sacha's genes are affected.

Ms Dacosta said: "Earlier this year we thought Sacha had epilepsy but then she was diagnosed with this and everything has been turned upside down. She is deteriorating, albeit slowly, and as a parent it is crippling to watch because there is nothing you can do.

"I have my bad weeks but organising the concert focuses my mind and I have been blown away by people's kindness because they have been rushing over themselves to help me."

The concert will include live performances from singer Alison David, a children's choir, with Christmas carols, a harpist, mulled wine and mince pies.

For tickets and information call 01273 206546 or 01273 690793 or 01273 601686.