MID Cheshire residents are rallying around to support a terminally-ill child who was born with her heart back to front.

A Northwich record producer has written and produced a charity single for Kirsty Howard, while bud-ding artists at a Winsford nursery took part in a 'paintathon' in aid of her campaign to save a children's hospice.

Nine-year-old Kirsty has a heart condition so rare it hasn't even got a name, and she has dedicated her life to raising an incredible £5m to keep open the Francis House Children's Hospice in Didsbury, Greater Manchester, where she receives care.

She has already helped the total reach a staggering £3.5m, and has now been helped in her mission by local people.

Sales from record producer Dave Shelton's song, You Are The One - Kirsty's Song, will go towards the appeal.

Dave, of Northwich recording studio Cheshire Sound Productions, said: 'I wrote the song after seeing Kirsty on TV; she's got this target to fulfil and this can only add to this.

'She is the face of the Rainbow Trust and is an inspiration to everyone; the song was done in conjunction with her birthday and she loves it. Russell Watson did one for her but this is the only one with her name on it.'

For the single, available from all good record shops, Dave was able to call on talent in the community to support him.

Hartford-based singing teacher Anne Moore provided three of her pupils to do vocals and she says it is a great opportunity for them.

'I was really pleased to offer my pupils - teenagers Danni Raynor, Natalie Johnson and Madeline Bullen - and they were delighted to be involved,' she said.

'They are all gifted girls and I was really delighted as they came up trumps, coming across really professionally for girls of such a young age.

'It's great experience and could lead to big things.'

Meanwhile, youngsters from the Kiddiecare Day Nursery, off Grange Lane in Winsford, dedicated the proceeds from their painting project to the appeal.

Staff and parents helped the children paint self portraits and footprints, which are now on display in Winsford Library.

Nursery manager Rita Lyons said: 'As well as providing quality and affordable childcare, our dedicated and committed staff like to help and support the community in whatever way we can.'

Barclays Bank employee Tracy Taylor took part in the Paintathon as part of the bank's employee volunteering programme. The bank then matched funds raised.

Barclays' community manager said: 'We are committed to communities and we are delighted to support Kiddiecare and the Kirsty Appeal. This is a lovely example of Barclays staff working closely with the local community to achieve something which we hope will make a difference.'