Local readers have raised a staggering £31,400 to help 18-month-old Lydia and Ella, of Station Road, who suffer from the rare and incurable Tay-Sachs Disease.

The girls will be able to make the most of the specialist equipment once it is installed in the converted garage at their home.

Parents Leann Thompson (32) and her husband Dean (39), who also have daughter Jessica (3), are keen to get the plans made into reality as soon as possible.

Leann said: “We have one quote at around £11,000 and are waiting to get another one back.

“We do not need planning permission for the room. However, we do need to allow time for making the garage ready for it, which has been a bit slow.

“We are hoping to have it done by the end of January.”

Equipment will include a bubble tube, fibre optics, sound equipment, mirrors and padding.

The twins’ senses will be stimulated in a safe environment.

Around £31,400 has been donated or pledged towards The Local Lydia and Ella Appeal, to go towards the sensory room and other equipment for the girls, who were diagnosed with the condition at seven months of age.

The youngsters have also been referred to receive specialist pushchairs.

Leann said: “These will be funded for us except for the accessories like the rain cover.”

Leann said they will look at getting car seats for them in January, which will cost about £1,000 each, and will install an electric bath.

Leann said: “We have about £23,000 in the bank now. It is amazing. We never expected this amount to be raised.”

The twins will have gastrostomy tubes fitted to their stomachs this month.

Leann said: “This means we can get rid of the tubes in their noses which they are fed through at night.”

With the surplus cash, Leann and Dean are considering other ways they can adapt their home to suit Lydia and Ella.

Leann added: “We would like to have separate rooms for the girls as they are sharing at the moment, just in case they deteriorate. It would be ideal to have a bathroom and bedroom for them on the same level in the house.”

The family thanks everyone who has supported their plight.