JAY Peatfield simply wants to be like all her friends. At eight-years old, the Astley Bridge youngster is struggling to "get hip" - because of her feet. Jay, a pupil at The Oaks County Primary School, Sharples, was born with extra toes on both her feet.

Operations have corrected them, but despite surgery to straighten the tendons and sinews, Jay's feet have simply grown widthways. Although her size two and two-and-a-half feet are considered normal in length for her age, the width "H" is exceptional.

Her parents Paul and Andrea have tried shoe outlets across the country to find a trendy shoe for their daughter, but all to no avail.

During a recent Easter break to Wales, the family trawled shoe stores in Rhyl, Prestatyn and elsewhere to find Jay a pair of shoes which were simply more trendy than local outlets stock.

Because the size of her two feet don't match, her parents have to double up.

"We have had to buy the same shoes twice as they're the only ones which fit. Last time when they came back with the same shoes I promised I'd find her shoes with a heel which weren't clumpy and sensible looking as are the ones she's had to have in the past ," said dad Paul.

Despite extensive searches, the Peatfields' efforts have been thwarted and now they are desperate to find shoes with a heel which their daughter can wear for parties and discos.

"These aren't too bad for school, but it's shoes for going out which I really want," said Jay. Anyone able to help the Peatfields should contact Angela Warhurst at the BEN on Bolton 361248.

"At the end of the day if it means we have to pay to have shoes made to measure we will, she just wants to be like her friends and why shouldn't she," added dad Paul.

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