A youngster who beat a tumour of the spine four years ago is practising her curtsies for a meeting with Princess Anne on Monday.

Although she has been given the all-clear, eight-year-old Megan Lloyd, from Wellington Heath, still has a shadow on the base of her spine and has to attend regular check-ups at the Birmingham Children's Hospital.

She has been told recently by doctors that she will probably have to wear callipers on her legs for life.

But proud mum, Fiona, of Dawn Run Cottage, said: "Megan is very philosophical. She has a grown-up head on her shoulders. She takes everything in her stride."

The youngster received both chemotherapy and radiotherapy as her treatment.

Megan, a pupil of Ashperton Primary School, will present a bouquet of flowers to the Princess Royal at Holme Lacy Agricultural College, where her father Stephen lectures on the craft of the farrier.

The Princess Royal will be at the college on Monday afternoon (May 8) to open the new farrier block.

Mrs Lloyd said: "Megan thinks that meeting the Princess is absolutely wonderful. She has been practising her curtsies."

Megan's headteacher David Swann, who is also her class teacher, said of the honour Megan has received: "I think it's just brilliant.

"She has had a lot of problems with her health but she always comes through with a smile on her face. She's such a brave little girl, and this is a lovely reward for her.

"She is a very popular member of the school community and a joy to teach."