SMILING and watching television, Ruby Westmoreland looks like any other seven-year-old.

She likes music, swimming, ten-pin bowling and playing with her sister, nine year-old Amber.

But unlike other girls of her age, Ruby cannot speak, feed or dress herself and has only recently learnt to walk, although she needs support.

Dad John, 43, of Higher Commons Lane, Mellor Brook, said: "Because the effect is so gradual it's almost like she hasn't grown up. It's like having a large toddler to deal with. The rate of learning is still there but it's low."

Mum Susan, said: "It's like going on holiday to America. You've got a guide book, you've been there before and then the plane lands and the doors open and it's Holland, everything's flat. You need another book.

"I tell myself she's like a little Peter Pan."

Ruby seemed fine until she was nine or ten months old, but Susan was worried she shuffled on her bottom rather than crawled and was sick after meals. The health visitor dismissed her fears but noticed Ruby had low muscle tone in her legs and referred her to a physiotherapist.

Susan, 41, said: "She suspected Rett Syndrome. Ruby used to clap and say 'bye-bye' but she wasn't doing it any more. She had gradually stopped doing things and the physiotherapist went from saying 'when' she walks to 'if'."

It was the first the Westmorelands had heard of the condition and they got in touch with charity Rett Syndrome Association UK, which acts as a support network for families as well as funding research.

Susan said: "Because she looks fine and she's a pretty little thing people think 'what's that girl doing in a pushchair?'" People stare and are either patronising and say 'how terrible, how awful' or they ignore it."

The family lived in Watford but moved to Blackburn last summer to be nearer family. Susan and John are now directors of the Coach House Nursery in Shear Bank Road, Blackburn, and Ruby goes to Newfield Special School.

Susan said: "We've got to fight her corner because she can't do it herself.

"We went to Chatsworth House the other day. Amber put two pence in the wishing well and wished Ruby would get better but we don't know if gene therapy will help in her lifetime."