Erin Nicks, from Whitecross near Newry, has become a record setter just weeks before her third birthday after she received the 120,000th transplant to be registered on the UK Transplant Database, 35 years after it was launched.

Erin underwent her first liver transplant at the Birmingham Children's Hospital in June 2005, when she was just eight months old, after doctors diagnosed her as suffering with biliary atresia, a condition which causes bile to build up in the organ.

An infection caused her body to reject the liver two years later, but doctors say the new organ - which was transplanted two weeks ago - is functioning normally and she is doing well.

"She's up and walking and she's a good colour; she's eating and feeding," said Erin's dad Simon, speaking from hospital.

"In the last couple of days she's been smiling and laughing again. She's getting back to the girl we knew she was.

" The next stage is hopefully going home this week because she's done quite well. Then it'll be weekly blood tests and we'll try and relax and spend a bit of time with the family. We've been here seven weeks now.

" We're a bit shaky, probably a bit cautious as well. The first time we were a bit more naive.

"We're very grateful to the donor family for what they have given to her.

"Someone has given our daughter the most precious gift, the gift of life.

"It is such a selfless act and one which we will never forget."

Erin's mum Orla said: "We are overjoyed. We were stricken with worry not knowing whether a new liver would be found," she said.

"We had only just started to relax after the first transplant; we had even begun planning our first holiday."

The National Transplant Database is managed by UK Transplant.

It includes details of all donors and patients who are waiting for, or who have received a transplant, including some of those carried out in the UK before 1972.

In total, it holds more than 200,000 entries, including 70,997 organ transplants, 49,003 ocular transplants, and 72,856 donors - both living and cadaveric, as well as the details of the thousands of people who currently need a transplant.

Chris Rudge, UK Transplant Managing and Transplant Director, said: " Since the launch of the National Transplant Database, thousands of lives have been saved and transformed thanks to the generosity of donors and the continued improvements in transplantation services.

"There is still a desperate shortage of donors, though, which is why it is important that those who want to help talk about their wishes with their loved ones and join the NHS Organ Donor Register."

To find out more about organ donation and how to join the NHS Organ Donor Register telephone 0845 60 60 400 or visit www.uktransplant.org.uk