Surgeons say Sidra Afzal's surgery was a success

Sidra Afzal, from Fleur-de-Lys, near Caerphilly, had successful surgery to regrow skin and hair after an accident.

Sidra has missed more than a year of lessons, but is expected to return to Fleur-de-Lys Primary in September.

Deputy head John Farmer said pupils had made cards and personal messages to send to her during her recovery.

Sidra was two when she suffered 25% burns from cooking oil in an accident at her home, leaving her bald on one side of her head.

The pupils are asking questions about her - asking how she is and when she's coming back to school John Farmer, Fleur-de-Lys Primary

Surgeons at the Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery in Morriston Hospital, Swansea, implanted a gel-filled balloon under her scalp 10 months ago, which has steadily grown with new skin and hair.

In an operation on Wednesday, the balloon was removed and new skin and hair follicles pulled over Sidra's head.

Surgeons said the 90-minute operation had gone "very well indeed" and it is now hoped Sidra will be able to return to school after the summer holidays.

She had been taught at home since her treatment started.

Deputy head, Mr Farmer, said Sidra was a popular pupil whose friends had kept up to date with her progress.

He said: "She's been off for over a year and obviously her friends at the school have missed her a lot.

"She has been coming in to visit to keep in with her friends when she's been well enough to see everyone.

Sidra's parents said their daughter had been "so brave"

"She has lots of friends and they all look forward to her visits when she's able to make it in, which has been about once a month.

"The pupils are asking questions about her - asking how she is and when she's coming back.

"We believe she is due to return in September and everyone is looking forward to seeing her."

Mr Farmer said Sidra's class had worked on a project making personal cards and messages for her.

Sidra's parents Saba and Mohammed Afzal said they were relieved and delighted with the outcome of their daughter's surgery.

Mrs Afzal said: "It's beyond words, we've waited for this since she had the accident, when they told us one day Sidra would have the operation.

"We've just been waiting for this moment. She has been so brave all this time."