DISABLED gymnastics champion Kayleigh Phillips has been unable to get out of bed because of council delays in providing the care she needs.

The 14-year-old's family said it would have only taken one hour of help each morning to get her up and showered.

But that support was not provided until today, despite the Endon High School pupil leaving the University Hospital of North Staffordshire three weeks ago.

Three nurses helped mum, Julie, apply for the care when Kayleigh, pictured left, arrived for spinal surgery in late January.

The help was due to start this morning after support workers completed a risk assessment at the family's home.

But Mrs Phillips says she had to go to the Kidsgrove family's MP and The Sentinel before Staffordshire County Council acted.

Moorlands MP Charlotte Atkins, pictured below, now wants to know why the care was not available sooner.

And Kayleigh said: "When I didn't get the help I was not very happy because I needed to start getting up.

"When I heard I was getting it I was happy."

The teenager's cerebral palsy means she has to use a wheelchair.

But that has not stopped her winning a host of medals at the past two Special Olympics National Games.

The youngster also claimed five silvers in wheelchair rhythmic gymnastics at last year's Special Olympics in Leicester and gold at Glasgow's games four years ago.

She needed surgery in January to correct the curving of her spine and, although it was successful, Mrs Phillips says her daughter was kept in for an extra week as arrangements were made for the home care.

Kayleigh was then discharged, even though it still had not been organised.

And mother-of-four Mrs Phillips, aged 44, of Woodshutts Street, said: "We are normally OK looking after Kayleigh on our own, but since the operation, she has been in such pain it was impossible for me to get her out of bed and showered.

"My husband, Alan, works all day so we have had to wait until he got home in the evening to help get her up.

"Although she's in a wheelchair, she's very active and has been going crackers stuck in bed."

Following questions from Ms Atkins and The Sentinel, the county council has now made arrangements for the care.

A spokesman said: "Two carers will visit for an hour each morning and evening for five days a week.

"This will be reviewed jointly in 18 months' time when any long-term needs can be met."