FOUR-year-old cancer sufferer Billie Bainbridge is said to be "coping well" with her treatment.

Billie is battling a rare form of brain cancer and her family say they hope 2012 will bring them some positive news at last.

She is back home in St Leonards after taking part in a medical trial at the Burzynski clinic in Texas.

She first featured in the Echo in August last year when parents Terri and Sam launched the appeal to raise £200,000 needed to take part in the trial.

It could be several months until Billie's family discover if the treatment has had any impact.

A statement released on the Billie Butterfly Fund website, said: "2011 was a very difficult year for Billie and her family. First mum Terri's breast cancer in the spring followed by surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

"Then, Billie was diagnosed with brain stem cancer of the worst kind. Autumn was an extraordinary time with amazing support from so many people. 2012 has started well with Billie back at school and coping with her treatment.

"Lets hope for continued progress and that this will be a good year."

Billie's cancer is so rare that only around 40 children a year are diagnosed with it in the UK. Any money raised during the campaign that is not used for Billie's treatment will go towards research of child brain cancer.