A VALLEYS teenager is travelling to France for a operation that could change her life. Kirsty Roberts, who is 16, suffers from a genetic condition that has retarded her growth.

But now 4ft 2in Kirsty, from Abertillery, is due to have a leg-lengthening operation that could help her to grow up to another four inches and increase her mobility.

Kirsty's operation, which will involve putting a screw into her legs, is a new technique which has never been performed Britain.

Her surgery and aftercare in France will cost an estimated £30,000, with the procedure funded by the British government.

Kirsty underwent one operation at the age of 11 and Kirsty's family is now due to stay in Nancy in France for three months while she has the second.

The teenager, who lives in Llwyn-Onn Road and has just completed her GCSE exams, first heard about the procedure when a surgeon in Sheffield recommended it.

Now she is due to have surgery on July 29 and will then undergo extensive rehabilitation treatment and physiotherapy before she returns home.

She and her family began their trip yesterday. Speaking to the Argus before leaving Kirsty said she was "a bit nervous but excited".

"This will make a big difference to me. If I do grow four inches, then that could help me to reach another light switch or to turn on another tap," said the brave teenager, who will know within three months how successful the operation has been.

Kirsty may need to undergo another operation in a few years, to remove the screw from her legs.

Her mother Kay said the family was very grateful to Dominique Rowlands, a French teacher at St Albans RC School in Pontypool where Kirsty attends, for her help in arranging the visit.

"She found us a gite and worked it all out for us," said Mrs Roberts. Kirsty was last year awarded a present in the Argus Christmas toy giveaway, for her bravery after her mother suffered a brain haemorrhage last summer and was in hospital for several weeks.

And Kirsty, a promising young actress, also received a Child of Achievement Award.