A YOUNG boy whose family was killed in a car accident has gone back to school for the first time since the tragedy.

Macauley Gilbert was travelling to visit relatives in Blackburn when he was involved in the accident which killed his mum, her fiance and two brothers.

Now, six months on, he has gone back to school at Bede Burn Primary School, in Jarrow, Tyneside, for the new term.

He joined his classmates for his first formal lessons since the March 3 car smash claimed the lives of Paula Gilbert, Neil Jex and Tristan, three and Kaiden, seven months.

Macauley's grandparents, Don and Mary Gilbert, now care for him at their home on the Lukes Lanes estate in Hebburn.

Mr Gilbert, 57, said: "The summer has been a long hard slog but we have all pulled together, helping each other out to support Macauley.

"Finally the day has arrived for him to return to school.

"He had been telling us he was not going in his own little way.

"But it is good for him to get back into the routine."

Before the end of term in July, Macauley had gone back to school on a number of occasions to ease him in.

But this week, he got back to his normal school routine, kitted out in a new uniform.

Noreen Reid, head teacher of Bede Burn Primary School, in Dene Terrace, said: "It is the first day of the academic year and we welcomed Macauley back in the same way as all the other children.

"He has had a difficult time so now it is a priority for us to make him feel part of this school again."

Macauley was travelling to Blackburn where Mr Jex was originally from, when their Citroen Saxo was involved in a smash with a van on the A1 near Catterick.

The car left the road and ploughed into a tree killing Miss Gilbert, Mr Jex and the boys instantly.

Macauley survived with broken legs and a broken arm.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance crews, who airlifted Macauley to hospital, called him "Miracle Boy" and set up a Miracle Fund, backed by the Gazette, raised more than £40,000 - with about £10,000 coming from Gazette readers.

Mr Gilbert said: "It has been hard for the family but we have come through it thanks to all the support we have received from everybody.

"We have had so much support."

Scott Easton, 22, from Stockton, is charged with four counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

He is due to appear at Teesside Crown Court next Thursday for a plea and case management hearing.