Darren Wyatt takes his daughter home for the first time

In October, a previous court order that doctors need not give Charlotte artificial ventilation in a life-threatening situation was lifted.

Her father Darren Wyatt, 33, collected her from St Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth, for the two-hour visit.

Two medical staff from the hospital supervised the visit.

Mr Wyatt and his wife Debbie, 24, are hoping to have Charlotte home unsupervised for Christmas Day.

Mr Wyatt said: "It is very exciting to have her home but it will be even more exciting if we can have her home for Christmas.

"She's better off at home because she will be the centre of attention and get all the love and affection from the family."

Born three months prematurely and weighing just 1lb (0.45kg), Charlotte was left with severe sight, hearing and organ damage and has to have oxygen around the clock.

The decision to allow her home on day visits was made at a meeting between the Wyatts, Charlotte's consultant, the primary care trust and social services last week.