Little Amelia Saunders died on Sunday morning holding her parents' hands after an 11-month battle against a brain tumour.

The four-year-old left Naomi House hospice before Christmas to be with her father and mother, Richard and Chantal, and her sister Charlotte at their home in Lower Earley as her health began to fail.

She returned to the hospice after Christmas where she died with her parents beside her.

Her father left this message on the Amelia's Miracle Facebook page today.

He wrote: "This is the update we hoped we would never have to write.

"Amelia, our beautiful little girl, left us this morning at 9.50am, holding both our hands as she took one last breath.

"It was peaceful, quiet and without pain or suffering. Chantal  and I had told her only minutes before that it was OK for her to go, to be free.

"Now she is."

He described the "huge hole" left in their lives saying they woul be "strong and support each other through this awful time".

He went on: "Charlotte will have all our love as our daughter, and when she is older we can tell her about the amazing big sister she once had.

"Our hearts are shattered into a thousand pieces.

"Thank you, everyone, for your love and support. Our lives will never be the same again.

Four-year-old Amelia was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in February.

She started Crosfields School in Shinfield in September, despite being given just months to live, and in December said a farewell to her school friends after her health deteriorated.

Crosfields headteacher Jonathan Wanseysaid: "Amelia has been an inspirational and much loved member of the school. She was a beautiful, kind and affectionate little girl who embraced all aspects of school life. She was gregarious, loving and happy, with many friends. She will be deeply missed and always remembered.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Chantal, Richard, Charlotte and all the family.

"For the staff and children, the school will be providing appropriate support."

The Saunders family launched the Amelia’s Miracle Appeal and raised more than £200,000 in just 12 weeks to take Amelia to Texas for treatment.