London, Oct 15 : Donning a bright smile and shining eyes, Jaycee Lee Dugard has posed for her first public photograph since she was freed from an 18-year nightmare kidnap ordeal.

Her image has appeared on the cover of America's People magazine and was published on its website yesterday.

In her first public statement since her remarkable release Jaycee said: "I'm so happy to be back with my family. Nothing is more important than the unconditional love and support I have from them."

Her grandmother, Joan Curry, said: "They live a surprisingly normal life, considering the circumstances."

Now aged 29, the mother-of-two was dragged into a car while walking to a bus stop outside her South Lake Tahoe home in California in 1991, reports The Daily Express.

She was allegedly snatched at the age of 11 by Phillip Garrido and kept as his sex slave.

Phillip and his wife Nancy have been charged with kidnapping and rape and have both pleaded not guilty.

Jaycee is currently living with mum Terry Probyn, 50, and two daughters - Angel, 15, and Starlit, 11 - fathered by Garrido during her 18-year ordeal. (ANI)