A toddler is literally eating her family out of house and home because of a rare condition that makes her crave everything from the carpets to paint.

Three-year-old Maddie Moore has Pica, a rare disorder meaning she has cravings to eat non-food substances.

The impulsive disorder has led the the youngster to consume washing powder, cooking oil, clumps of carpet, stones, plaster, wood, plastic, sand, duct tape, bugs, paint, pens, Play-Doh and toilet roll.

Even her nursery has taken the unusual step of making her edible toys to keep her safe.

Maddie, who also suffers from suspected autism, developmental delay and sensory process disorder which causes her to bounce, spin and climb at any opportunity, needs constant supervision.

Throughout the night she has to be zipped into a specialist bed to avoid her causing harm to herself while her parents Catherine Mullins and Sonny Moore and four-year-old sister Lilly sleep.

Mum-of-two Catherine, who is kept on her toes so much she has lost three stone in months shrinking to just 8st 7lb for her 6ft frame, said: “She’s certainly unique. Most professionals who meet her say they've never met a child quite like Maddie.

"I can only describe her as like a little bee collecting pollen, constantly flitting from one thing to another. She never stops.

“If she could, she would eat everything. I'm always worried about what she'll try to eat next. Everything goes to her mouth. Sometimes, I literally have to put my fingers in her mouth and hook the food out to stop her choking. Sometimes I don't realise until it's too late.

The 26-year-old, added: “You literally can’t take your eyes off her for a minute so our house never shuts down."

It was just before Maddie turned one when she began crawling that Catherine noticed she started putting strange objects in her mouth.

At her two year health check, Maddie's behaviour prompted tests and assessments.

She was diagnosed with Pica in September, the eating disorder that is characterised by the desire to eat non food items.

It is most common in people with learning disabilities and during pregnancy.

Pica can be potentially life threatening. Risks range from vomiting, constipation and infections to blockages in the gut and intestines, choking and poisoning. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove objects from an individual’s gut or to repair tissue injuries.

Maddie has never had to go to hospital but is often at the doctors for digestive illnesses.

As she gets older, her interest in normal food has worsened and she only eats foods of a particular colour and texture.

Maddie has one-on-one assistance at Townsend Montessori nursery and staff have made her edible Play-Doh with condensed milk. However, despite putting ingredients such as horseradish in the mix to put her off eating it, she cannot resist.

Catherine, 26, explained: “It started with her picking up and eating small items of fluff and paper, any bits she could find from the floor.

"Then her cravings became more and more intense. We can't have anything on the walls like displays or paintings because she'll eat them.

"I literally have to hide anything dangerous. We have child locks but she's very clever and susses them out."

Catherine said the provision of a specialist bed from Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children is a ‘life-saver’.

Previously, Maddie, who has limited speech, would regularly climb out of bed throughout the night keeping the family awake but the specialist bed has a zip so she can stay safe.

The family, who were housed for three months in temporary accommodation in a bed and breakfast room, now live in a small two bedroom council flat in Winton, Bournemouth, but they have desperately appealed to the council for a bigger home with a garden.

Catherine, explained: "Our flat is so small, there isn't space to even use the sensory equipment we have been funded which would really help Maddie.

"It's hard because due to her condition she can't go outside much either. She needs to be safe because of her complex needs so to have somewhere where she could have the space to play and Lilly could rest too, would be a dream come true.

Catherine, added: “Every day is a struggle but she's worth it. Maddie is such a character. She's very unique and I love her so much."