SCHOOL pupils who said prayers for the return of their classmate struck down with meningitis are waiting to welcome him back after he made a recovery just two weeks after falling ill.

Staff and pupils at St John's Primary School in Great Harwood say they are overjoyed with the news that fellow pupil Matthew Jackson has won his battle against the deadly brain bug.

Matthew, 10, of Glebe Street, Great Harwood, came home after a fortnight in the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in Pendlebury where he was treated for the Meningococcal strain of meningitis.

Children at the school sent cards, presents and get well messages to their sick classmate and joined in prayers for Matthew and his family.

Matthew's four-year-old brother Zackery, who had been kept off school since his brother was taken ill, also re-joined classmates at St John's earlier this week.

Headteacher David Ratcliffe said: "Matthew's mum came in for a chat earlier this week and we anticipated that he would be coming home from hospital soon.

"She said he is continuing to make steady progress and thanked us for everything we've done.

"She said thanks for all the cards and presents and the prayers that we have said.

"It has been a pleasure to do it because he is a delightful boy."

"We are really pleased that he is back home. It is another step on the ladder to recovery.

"The children will be told today that he is out of hospital and everyone is looking forward to him eventually coming back to school."

Matthew is still quite weak but is managing to get around on crutches.

Mum Paula and stepdad Darren have moved his bed down from the alcove in the Glebe Street bungalow to make it easier for the youngster to get around.

Settled in front of the television, Matthew said he was looking forward to going back to school and seeing his school pals.

Paula said: "He does enjoy school and he's quite sporty.

"He is goalkeeper for the school team.

"On the day he went into hospital he was supposed to go and see Blackburn Rovers play, but we'll have to try and organise that for another time."

Another thing the family are looking forward to is a trip to Euro Disney in Paris, courtesy of Matthew's grandma.

Matthew said: "I'm really looking forward to it -- mainly to go on all the rides."