A LITTLE girl’s dream of meeting Minnie Mouse has come true after she won a magical trip to Disneyland Paris.

Charlene Higgins, seven, from Princes Road in Ellesmere Port, was crowned winner of the Port Arcades Christmas card design contest, which was run in conjunction with the Pioneer.

The youngster, who has been brought up by her grandmother June Bennett after her mum died when she was nine months old, will fly out with her two aunties and older brother Jordan in the New Year.

Charlene’s winning design was unveiled at the shopping centre on Monday and Father Christmas presented her with her prize.

Mrs Bennett said: “Charlene’s mother died of a pulmonary haemorrhage before Charlene had even had her first birthday.

“She was only 24 at the time, so any good news for Charlene is very welcome indeed.

“It has always been a dream for Charlene to meet Minnie Mouse and now her dream is about to come true. What a wonderful Christmas present!”

Port Arcades centre manager Les Lyon, who helped to judge the winning design, said: “We received a lot of extremely good entries for this year’s competition and I have to say it was a very tough choice to make.

“In the end we chose Charlene’s design for its inventive detail and she is a deserving winner.

“When I telephoned Charlene to inform her of her win, she screamed so loudly with excitement that I thought my eardrums would burst!

“She is a wonderful little girl and we are delighted to be able to bring some extra happiness into her Christmas.”