The five-year-old, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder, was hoping to cuddle her new baby sister for the first time today.

Megan Eve Gibson was born at 7pm on Thursday, weighing 8lb 2oz – a third girl for parents Barry, 34, and Gillian, 31.

Mrs Gibson was due home from hospital today for belated birthday celebrations with her brave daughter, a pupil at Oakleigh Gardens School in Cleadon, who celebrated her birthday yesterday.

Amarni has Williams Syndrome, a rare disorder caused by an abnormality in chromosomes, which affects the development of the brain and physical and muscle movements.

She was unable to smile until she was eight months old and by the age of two, she had been admitted to hospital 23 times and undergone five operations.

In 2006, the youngster, from Walworth Avenue, Harton, South Shields, was a Child of Courage winner in the Pride of South Tyneside Awards.

Mr Gibson said: "Reaching the age of five is a milestone for any child, but for Amarni it's extra special because of what she's been through.

"The arrival of her baby sister was an extra special present for her."

Amarni's older sister, Ellie, 10, helped to organise a tea party for her, and the family are planning a trip to Disneyland Paris later in the year.

Children with Williams Syndrome, which affects about one in 25,000 people, have elfin-like features, are sensitive to loud noises and suffer variable learning difficulties.

They tend not to fear strangers, show a great interest in contact with adults and may have problems forming relationships with their peers.

There is no cure, but most people with Williams Syndrome lead full, active and healthy lives.

To address any problems that may arise, an expert team of doctors and nurses is needed, as well as the skills of occupational speech therapists, physiotherapists and teachers.