The carers of a little Ukrainian girl who needs surgery for a chance of a better life have started the ball rolling again in their attempt to keep her in the UK.

Elaine and Jerry Chomyszak were choked with disappointment two weeks ago when immigration authorities put on hold a decision about two year-old Luda Balan's fate.

Instead they faced another barrage of questions and red tape about Luda - the brave girl who has touched the hearts of thousands of Mail readers.

Officials wanted more details from surgeons at Sheffield Children's Hospital, who are ready to treat the young orphan for the genetic condition that has left her with twisted limbs.

They have requested more information about facilities at the Chomyszaks' home in Tibthorpe, near Driffield, where Luda lives with the couple.

They also want confirmation that they are prepared to continue looking after her.

And the authorities also requested more information about Luda's legal guardian, Lena Semiletko, who accompanied her from the Ukraine.

Key to Luda's fate will also be confirmation that no suitable treatment would be available for her if she returned to her homeland.

Grandmother, Elaine, 58, said: "We were devastated when we received this last letter with all these questions.

"Until it arrived we were convinced we had answered everything they could possibly want to know.

"The wait to find out if Luda can stay here to get the treatment she needs has been nerve-racking. And just when we thought we would know one way or the other, the whole business seems to have been put back for weeks.

"But we always knew it would not be easy. The important thing is that it has the right outcome, no matter how long we have to wait."

She added: "I have now sent back all the extra information we have been asked for. Luda needs this treatment now.

"The longer it is delayed, the less chance there will be of it helping her condition. But if she goes back to the Ukraine, where we know for a fact that she would never be treated, there would be no hope for her at all."