Doctors should treat a sick 13-month-old girl and give her a 'chance' at life - against the wishes of her parents, a High Court judge has ruled.

Mr Justice Hayden was told that the youngster, who is being treated at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, had been born with kidney failure and had survived against the odds.

Specialists say she has one chance for 'ongoing survival' - hemodialysis, a process through which blood is cleaned.

They say the treatment carries risks but is worth trying.

The girl's parents are against the idea and say her fate should be left in the hands of God.

Mr Justice Hayden on Wednesday gave specialists the go-ahead to try hemodialysis after analysing evidence at a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London.

The judge said the little girl had proved herself to be a "fighter".

He said she had earned "her chance" and ruled that hemodialysis would be in her best interests.

Mr Justice Hayden, who oversaw the case at a public hearing, said the girl, who is being treated at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, could not be identified.

He said he had been "enormously impressed" by doctors' commitment to the youngster.

The girl's parents said they were "not in support" of hemodialysis.

"She has been fighting death since she was born," the girl's mother told the judge.

"We are not in support.

"She has gone through a lot."

Mr Justice Hayden was told that the couple had mental health issues.

He said he respected their point of view.

"Mum and dad are opposed," he said.

"They have a deep, profound and simple faith.

"They believe only in the power of prayer."