A GIRL who had to have her fifth birthday party cancelled on Saturday was given a surprise call from a special princess to cheer her up.

Izabelle Pinder-Ripley was understandably upset when her party at Atherton and Tyldesley Botanical Gardens Association was called off to comply with Government advice to avoid gatherings to stop the spread of coronavirus.

She was also looking forward to seeing princess Elsa from Frozen.

However, Izabelle’s disappointment was softened when she received a video call and realised it was Elsa on the other end of the line.

Children’s entertainer Leanne Rieveley, who was booked in to play Elsa at the party, arranged the call with Izabelle’s mum Suzanne to put a smile on the youngster’s face.

Leanne as Elsa and Izabelle during their video call

Suzanne, 38, said: "Izzy was so surprised when she got the call.

“They sang Let It Go and Into The Unknown together and Leanne did magic tricks for her.

“She thought it was wonderful and was so impressed.

“It was so nice of Leanne, she did not have to do it – she did it off her own back.

“Izzy has not stopped smiling since the call and has been ringing her friends telling them she has spoken to the real Elsa.

The Bolton News:

“Through the times that we are going through and the hardship people are facing, this was a wonderful thing to do”

Leanne, from Astley, who has been entertaining children for six years, has been faced with having all her party bookings axed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

She said: “I realise just how disappointing it is for children that their parties have been cancelled because I’m disappointed too, not just because I’m losing out financially.

“I’ve now decided to offer a video call service to children across the country.

“I can read to them, encourage them to do their school work or just help to provide their mum or dad with a rest while we sing or do some magic.”