A TEENAGER who was knocked down while on his paper round has returned home after six weeks in hospital.

Glenn Matthews, 13, was welcomed home to Sycamore Avenue, Clitheroe at the weekend.

His father, David, said the Ribblesdale High School pupil was pleased to be back and was on the road to recovery with a rehabilitation programme.

The news meant he is back home in time for his 14th birthday tomorrow.

And it has been revealed that the newsagent for whom Glenn was a paperboy has bought fluorescent jackets in a bid to keep youngsters safer.

Glenn was rushed to Royal Blackburn Hospital with head injuries after he was struck by a car on October 12 as he crossed Chatburn Road in the village at 7.30am.

He spent four weeks in the Royal Manchester Chil-dren's Hospital, Pendlebury, before being transferred to Royal Preston Hospital.

Mr Matthews, 50, said: "We are doing fine. He is home now and is making a good recovery.

"Anything that can assist with road safety based on what has happened to Glenn we wholly approve of.

"He still has some rehabilitation to do but it is good to have him home.

"It will be the New Year before he is back at school.

"He is pleased to be home because in hospital there is not particularly a lot to do whereas he has his friends and family at home."

David Ainsworth, of Ainsworth's newsagents in Clitheroe, said: "We have 14 or 15 paperboys and what happened to Glenn makes you extra aware of the kids being out and about.

"What happened to Glenn had never happened before with any of the kids.

"We've had one or two fall off their bikes before but never anything that serious.

"We deliver just in a morning so at this time of year it's particularly dark which can be dangerous for the children and ultimately we want to keep them safe.

"The thing with kids is that they turn up in all sorts and we have tried to give them hi-vis waistcoats before but they don't seem so keen on them these days.

"Hopefully by having a big jacket on, it will keep them warm and dry as well as safe."