Girl is mall fun boss for a day after 'tough time'

A seven-year-old girl from Plymouth says she has had the "best day ever" after a "tough time" by being given the position of "chief fun officer" (CFO) at a shopping centre in the city.

Ellie, from Plympton, spent a day at Drake Circus shopping mall last week, with her official duties including testing out toys, going to the cinema and making bath bombs.

She was recruited by the mall's team after she made an application, which the team said "stood out" because of her "fun-loving nature".

Mum Corinne, who has been undergoing cancer treatment, said it was a welcome event after Ellie had not been able to do much over the summer holidays as a result of her treatment.

Greg Lumley, centre director at Drake Circus and The Barcode, said it was a difficult decision to select a candidate but Ellie "stood out as a brilliant choice for us to take on her perfect day at the centre".

He said: "We're always looking for ways to enhance our visitor experience, and we'd like to thank Ellie for helping us to do just that ahead of the half-term holidays."

Breast cancer patient Corinne said Ellie had had "a really tough time" because of her mother's treatment.

She said: "Even whilst she couldn't do much over the summer holidays, she never complained.

"It's been amazing to see her take centre stage and get the attention she deserves at Drake Circus."

She added the last of her invasive treatment had finished and the "worst part is now behind us".

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