A LITTLE girl who was so badly injured in a horse accident that she required plastic surgery has been given a special treat to bring a smile back to her face.

Ruby Grace, eight, from Haydon End was riding a pony at the Dubai Arabian International Raceday held at Newbury Racecourse last month when the animal suddenly reared up.

The youngster slipped from the pony leaving her dangling by one leg. The animal then repeatedly kicked her in the body and face as her horrified mum Donna tried to help her.

Due to her severe injuries Ruby had to undergo plastic surgery.

Far from a dream summer holiday with her family, the St Francis Primary School pupil has been forced to take it easy as she recovers from the traumatic incident.

To cheer Ruby up the Wyvern Theatre has given the family free tickets to see David Walliam’s Gangsta Granny in September.

Ruby, brother Charlie, and parents Martin and Donna will be treated to a VIP reception.

Donna said the gesture had lifted the family’s spirits.

“Ruby has been very upset and not her usual self since it happened,” said Donna

“We’re so touched and overwhelmed that people would think of us. As a family, we’ve all been really affected by this and for Ruby as an eight-year-old girl, it has ruined her summer.

“It’s nice to know people are thinking of us and I know she will really enjoy going.”

Donna said Ruby still bears emotional as well as physical scars from the incident

“She’s a bit more nervous than she’s been before. She was taken to the doctor's last week because she was in a lot of pain with an infection and that brought her down,” she said.

Laura James, marketing and sales manager at the Wyvern, said she was delighted to be able to help the Grace family.

“I read the article and I was shocked and so sad about what had happened to Ruby," she said.

"I just wanted to cheer Ruby up a bit because it looked like she was having a bad summer. This is a small gesture to help her smile again

“After that traumatic incident I wanted to do something a bit special to make Ruby happy, they can have a few drinks and nibbles and enjoy the show."

The family cancelled a holiday to Turkey after doctors advised that Ruby’s injuries should be kept out of the sun.

Donna said Ruby, who usually takes part in lots of activities was enjoying the break despite having to take extra care in the sun.

“We’ve gone away to Cornwall just to have a bit of a break as a family which we all needed after such an upsetting time,” said Donna.

“Of course, Ruby can’t do any of things she loves or is used to which is hard for her. There’s body boarding which normally she would have loved but she can’t stay in the sun so it’s difficult for her to get as involved as before.”