THREE months ago Gwent schoolgirl Emma George had a life-threatening operation to remove a cancerous tumour, then months of gruelling radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

But just look at her now.

Because Pontypool girl Emma, nine, is making an amazing recovery. Emma, of Severn View, Garndiffaith, is starting to live a normal life for the first time since she was diagnosed with cancer last November.

Most of the malignant tumour on her chest has now cleared up after she went through a major operation to remove it in April. Emma has finished an intensive course of radiotherapy with great success.

The Garnteg Primary pupil is still having chemotherapy but her parents are delighted at the rate of their daughter's recovery. "We are very happy to see the way she has improved," said Emma's dad Glyn.

"She is going out to play with friends for the first time when a few months ago she couldn't even get out of bed. We are delighted.

"The doctors said her spine could have been damaged from the radiotherapy, and she might have been very ill with severe side effects. "But none of that has happened and we are very relieved. Not only that but her hair is growing back, which is wonderful. "She is very happy about that."

Emma's courage touched Argus readers when we revealed her story and she received dozens of cards and presents. She was also a favourite of nurses at Velindre Hospital, Cardiff, who bought her presents including a Westlife CD following her stay.

Emma still makes monthly visits to Llandough hospital for three-day chemotherapthy treatment, but in November doctors will assess her situation in the hope that the cancer has gone completely.

In the meantime she is looking forward to playing with her friends and twin brother Thomas, something she has been unable to do since being diagnosed.

The family are also planning their first holiday since Emma became ill, something they didn't expect to be able to do so soon.

"You can see the amazing change in Emma," said her mum Kim. "She is more confident and outgoing and very happy at being able to go outside."

Emma's friends and teachers at Garnteg Primary threw her a surprise end-of-term party last week.

She even competed in the school sports day and came third in the egg and spoon race.

"All my friends wore bandanas so they would look like me and we had a barbecue," said Emma.

"All my teachers and friends were there. It was lovely and I cried because I was so happy. I can't wait to get back to school."