WHEN the Evening Press launched a Christmas fundraising drive to buy a computer for York hit-and-run victim, Katie Scales, the appeal was kick-started by York firm Design Computers.

The business offered to design and build a top-of-the-range PC to Katie's specifications at a full discount.

Now Katie, 12, from Haxby, has said thank you by agreeing to be guest of honour at the opening of the firm's second outlet in York.

She has recovered well since the incident in Blossom Street last December, and cut the ribbon at the opening of the new shop in Boroughbridge Road on Saturday.

A spokesman for Design Computers', based in Millfield Lane, said the firm had been very touched by Katie's story last Christmas, and had no hesitation in helping with the appeal, which helped Katie keep in touch by email with her friends during her long convalescence and also do her school homework on computer.

"As Katie is one of the most high-profile of our satisfied customers to date, it seemed very fitting to invite her to be out guest of honour and ask her to cut the ribbon at the launch of our new store," said the spokesman.

"We have followed Katie's progress via the Evening Press over the last six months and are delighted that she has made such an excellent recovery and equally delighted that she has agreed to step into the limelight on our behalf."

Updated: 10:28 Monday, July 14, 2003