A SCHOOLBOY, who was impaled on spiked railings in an horrific accident in a children's playground nine days ago, has made a remarkable recovery and should hopefully be home by Wednesday.

Joshua Bonney, aged nine, a pupil of Burnley Wood Primary School, had been climbing a tree in the playground off Kirkgate when he jumped out and fell on to the spike.

It pierced his lung, liver and diaphragm and he has been in the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, since the accident.

Joshua's mum, Anne-Marie Heys, of Hollingreave Road, Burnley, said: "He is now able to get out of bed and sit on chair and yesterday he started eating.

"I am hoping to be able to bring him home next Wednesday."

The playground is owned by Burnley Council and Anne-Marie is calling for action to be taken to make the area safe for youngsters.

Mick Cartledge, director of community and leisure services, said: "We were very concerned to hear about the recent accident in one of our playgrounds but pleased to learn that Joshua is improving.

"We can confirm that there have been no other accidents of this nature reported and an investigation into the one involving Joshua is under way."