Charlotte has been on two supervised visits home this month

Debbie and Darren Wyatt were allowed to have Charlotte at their Portsmouth home unsupervised for two hours and opened presents with her and played with toys.

Mrs Wyatt, 24, said it "was the best Christmas present we could ask for".

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

Charlotte was born prematurely in 2003 with serious brain, lung and kidney damage, weighing just 1lb (0.45kg).

Mr Wyatt, 33, collected his daughter, who needs oxygen around the clock, from St Mary's Hospital in Portsmouth in a taxi.

The hospital had earlier told the couple that a Christmas visit would not be possible but it is thought further training given to the Wyatts enabled it to take place.

'Happy and relaxed'

Charlotte has made two visits home - supervised by medical staff - since 6 December, when she left the hospital grounds for the first time.

The Wyatts, who also have two young sons, say her condition has improved over the past year.

Hopefully next year we should have her home for good Debbie Wyatt

Mrs Wyatt said Charlotte spent time on Sunday looking at the Christmas tree and its lights.

"She was looking around the room and taking it all in. She seemed happy and she was really relaxed.

"We didn't have any problems at all with her."

She said Christmas this year was "complete" because in 2004 her daughter had been in an oxygen box and the year before that in an incubator.