As Beverley and Nick Silva sit around the tree they are, for the first time in almost a year, a family.

It is the Christmas present they almost never dared dream they would see.

For five-year-old Tobi, the excitement is almost too much to bear - his baby sister Alivia will be spending Christmas at home.

Little Alivia was born with a hole in her heart and a serious bowel disorder.

She has spent almost every day of her eight months at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Sick Children in Brighton, where she has been through two major operations.

While Tobi and his father have been living together at home in Eastbourne, Beverley has spent most nights sleeping at the hospital.

But yesterday, Alivia and her mother made the return journey home to celebrate the festive season together.

Alivia was born on April 17 at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

The problem with her bowel meant it was difficult for her to absorb essential nutrition from her feeds.

She spent two months at the Royal Alex while doctors and nurses worked out ways to build up her strength.

When she eventually hit a healthy weight of 7lb 14oz, Alivia was able to go home but after two weeks had to be admitted again.

At the beginning of October her weight had dropped to 6lb 1oz.

The youngster was put on special liquid feeds and has gradually built up her strength until she hit the 10lb 2oz she is today.

Beverley, 35, said: "She is a very happy child in spite of everything.

"In the last few weeks she has come on in leaps and bounds and we are all looking forward to going home."

Beverley was a legal secretary and was given two extensions on her maternity leave but decided to leave the job to concentrate full-time on Alivia.

She said: "The company have been great and they are still in contact with me and asking how Alivia is doing.

"At the moment my priority is making sure Alivia gets well. She comes first."

At the moment Alivia is continuing to thrive, although she is not able to manage solids yet.

Beverley said: "She has been tried on rice but she is not keen. We are still not sure what she is going to be able to manage so it is a matter of feeding and testing to see what suits."

"The hole in the heart is another worry but that is fine at the moment. It is something that will have to be dealt with when she gets older.

"The doctors and nurses here have been fantastic.

"We are just glad to get her home in time for Christmas. It is our best present ever."