The girl who couldn't eat is back - and she loves Marmite!

And today Tilly - who hasn't had a meal since being diagnosed with a rare condition seven-and-a-half years ago - was due to return to school after spending three weeks in America for tests she never needed.

She had her first lunchtime eating with her friends - an everyday act she has never experienced.

American specialists said there was nothing wrong with Tilly - apart from enlarged tonsils.

Despite tiredness from jetlag and the exhaustive media interest, Tilly and mum Amelia were all smiles at their home in Borrowdale Drive, Warndon, Worcester.

"The food in America wasn't as good as the food in England, and I've found I really love Marmite," said the eight-year-old.

Although Tilly used to hanker after the smell of bacon, burgers have become her favourite treat.

Happy

"I'm just so happy Tilly didn't have to go through with an operation," said mum Amelia.

"It was the best news and it hasn't sunk in yet. I'm very happy to be home again," she said.

The Worcester News gave Tilly and her family a hamper of goodies, which she said she would share with her friends.

For years the Merrells had to keep cupboard doors locked and appetising food out of Tilly's sight. They were told by doctors in Birmingham and London she had isolated bulbar palsy, a rare nerve condition which meant food and drink could enter her lungs and cause infections.

Generous Worcester News readers raised £10,000 to send Tilly to California for the tests.

"The American doctor said she could try whatever she liked - I just have to make sure she gets enough vitamins which used to be in the nutrient milk, and make sure she keeps her weight up," said Amelia.

The nutrient solution used to be pumped through a tube from a backpack directly into her stomach.

"We haven't got rid of the backpack yet, but I would happily have thrown it in the Pacific when we were told the news," added Amelia, who celebrated her 37th birthday four days after the happy news.