The plight of little Ukrainian orphan Luda Balan has been brought to the attention of the Prime Minister's wife.

Hull resident Mary White, 75, was so touched by the story of the disabled two-year-old, she sent a copy of the Hull Daily Mail's 'Let Luda Stay' coupon to Cherie Blair in Downing Street.

She had hoped to attract high level support for the campaign to keep Luda in Britain for vital medical treatment.

The Mail has already received more than 2,000 coupons in support of the application to extend Luda's visa so surgeons can begin a lengthy programme of operations to correct her twisted limbs.

But sadly it appears Mrs Blair's name will not be added to the list.

In an official reply from Downing Street, Mrs White has been told the PM's wife is not able to get involved.

A disappointed Mrs White said: "I hoped that as a mother Mrs Blair would pledge her support to this little girl.

"I cannot believe that this Government will not help this beautiful little girl."

Officials on behalf of Mrs Blair wrote: "As a private unelected citizen she has no power to intervene in Government policy."

Now Mrs White has written to the Prime Minister, pointing out he does have the power to intervene.

Luda is being cared for by Tibthorpe couple Elaine and Jerry Chomyszak.

And the Mail will shortly be hand-delivering the Let Luda Stay coupons to Home Office Minister Beverley Hughes, responsible for immigration issues.

(Taken from the Hull Daily Mail)