THE Dorchester mother of a young girl who was badly burned a year ago today in a Dorset tent blaze has praised everyone who helped her recovery.

Nine-year-old Nadia Bounhar was badly injured when fire engulfed a tent she was sharing with her father at Warmwell Country Touring Park.

An investigation later revealed the blaze had been caused by a gas stove igniting the tent.

Nadia suffered horrific burns to her body and was taken to Dorset County Hosp-ital in Dorchester and then airlifted by coastguard helicopter for treatment at a specialist child burns unit at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, Essex.

She was later transferred to a hospital in Aberdeen and was allowed back to her home in the Kyle of Lochalsh six months later. She faces treatment for the rest of her life.

Now Nadia's mum Claire Calder, originally from Dorchester but who now lives with Nadia in Scotland, has praised emergency services who dealt with the incident on the anniversary of the drama.

The tent fire happened when Nadia visited the campsite with her father Ben, from Salisbury.

Claire told of her horror at finding out about the fire hours after it happened because her mobile phone was out of range while she was on a camping trip in Scotland with her 14-year-old son Andrew.

"When I eventually received the news telling me what had happened I was devastated. It took us another 24 hours to get to the hospital and I was just praying everything would be OK.

"It was an awful time and it was a life and death situation for Nadia. She was in a horrible state and I couldn't recognise her when I arrived at the hospital. I guess anyone who helped her on the day will assume Nadia died from her injuries," she said.

Nadia spent seven weeks in intensive care and a further month having regular treatment in Essex before being transferred to a hospital in Aberdeen.

Claire said: "We spent all this time living in rented accommodation and it was really difficult being away from home. We were eventually allowed back home at Easter, but Nadia needs more surgery and requires constant treatment."

At night the youngster also wears a special face mask designed by the burns team at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and pressure garments to help reduce the searing. Claire added she is now considering setting up a telephone support group for burn victims and is thankful to everyone who helped her daughter.

"Nadia does get frustrated now and again, but she is a really brave girl and I'm proud of how she has coped. The fire, police, coastguard and hospital staff were all fantastic and I can't thank them enough for helping save my daughter's life.

"I appreciate the staff at Warmwell Touring Park who have raised cash at events. It has been a difficult time but it's great to think there are so many kind-hearted people."