While last month's snow brought fun and joy for many children, a sledging trip ended in misery for young Darcey Street.

Now, the youngster is all smiles again as she makes a full recovery and praise has been given to those who helped her.

The 10-year-old, from Hethersett, had to have a dozen stitches in her head after she crashed into a fallen down oak tree while sledging on Mousehold Heath.

A part of the tree ripped through to her skull and blood was gushing from her head. A rescue mission was kicked into action and the Hethersett Junior School pupil was rushed by air ambulance to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Her mum Ioanna Street, 41, of Queen's Road, Hethersett, said: 'There was silence at first and then she began to cry. I've always said that I don't know what I would do if something bad happened to her but you just go into auto mode and I was calm.

'Everybody on the hill were brilliant. Time I got to the bottom of the hill, a man was already on the phone to the ambulance people.

'While I was keeping her calm, the paramedics came - they came within a minute and a half, they were so quick.

'The paramedics and the air ambulance staff were brilliant. I really would like to thank everyone who helped. Darcey is well on the way to a full recovery and wants to thank all those who sent her cards and presents.'

Young Darcey underwent treatment at the hospital under local anaesthetic and went home on the same day of the accident on December 18.

She had to take time off school last week because she was still having dizzy spells but went back yesterday.

It is believed it was the first time the air ambulance was used to take someone from St John's Hill at Mousehold Heath.

An East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) spokesman said: 'Our special critical care car arrived in a matter of minutes to give Darcey the best possible treatment on scene while the East Anglian Air Ambulance was called.

'Land and air crews worked extremely well together to enable Darcey to be stabilised before being flown to hospital.

'We are really pleased she is making a good recovery and both EEAS and the air ambulance send her and her family their very best wishes.

'As a charity, the East Anglian Air Ambulance is entirely dependent on donations and fundraising but the aircraft's ability to land in locations inaccessible by road and to fly patients to hospital in a matter of minutes make it an invaluable addition to the ambulance service.'

To donate to the East Anglian Air Ambulance, go to www.angliaone.org.uk

Has the air ambulance helped your or your family? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk