Two-year-old sisters Lydia and Ella, of Station Road, Morton, suffer from the rare and incurable Tay-Sachs Disease which means their mental and physical abilities deteriorate.

Parents Leann, 33, and Dean, 40, who also have daughter Jessica, four, said although they won't ever recover from the illness – it is important to continue making the girls' lives as comfortable as possible.

Leann, who stays at home to care for Lydia and Ella with the help of her mother Stella Hart, said: "They are doing as well as can be expected, although still deteriorating gradually.

"We just want to keep as positive as we can this year and most importantly keep Lydia and Ella as healthy and happy as we can. Something like a cold can take at least a fortnight to get rid of if they catch one."

Early last year a custom-made £12,000 sensory room was built at the family's house in the garage to help stimulate Lydia and Ella's senses in a safe environment.

It includes a bubble tube, fibre optics, sound equipment, lights, interactive whiteboard, vibro-bed, mirrors and padding.

It was funded through donations to The Local Lydia and Ella Appeal, which raised about £31,500.

Leann said it had really helped keep the twins' senses going, which has been good for vision and hearing, and added: "We spend hours in there with them. It was really worthwhile having it built as it has made such a difference.

"They don't seem to be able to see anything at all in daylight but when you take them in the sensory room, they react to the bubble tube and other bits and pieces."

The twins are likely to die by the age of four, but with the remaining money left over, the family can rest assured knowing that they can do everything they can to make the girls feel settled.

Some of it is being put towards adapting the family home for the girls, including a specialist electric bath and a lift.

Leann said: "We have started work on our extension for their bathroom but due to the weather we can't complete it yet.

"Thanks to all those who continue to support us. It means a lot to our family."