A NINE-year-old Leigh boy mown down by a hit-and-run driver is back home but is still struggling to even move around the house and suffers nightmares.

Thomas Wilson, of Bond Street, was knocked down on Chapel Street near Leigh town centre last Tuesday evening when a driver shot through a red light.

The Journal has learnt that the driver went into a nearby shop to ask for a coat to cover Thomas and for somebody to ring for an ambulance.

However the driver, who was in a G-registered silver metallic Ford Fiesta with two passengers, then drove off.

Thomas' left leg was broken and he had to undergo a four-hour operation to insert metal pins -- which his mum Lisa described as "four hours of hell".

But brave Thomas' plight has touched the heart of rugby star Tommy Martyn, who plays for St Helens, who heard of the accident. He says he wants to personally visit the young lad next week.

The family have been inundated with cards from well-wishers and his class mates at St Joseph's Primary School have even made their own cards to cheer him up.

The youngster, who plays for Leigh RMI under 10s where his dad Michael is the coach, has also had a ball signed by the RMI players.

Thomas is now confined to his house -- having to hobble on crutches or be moved around in a wheelchair.

Mum Lisa, who works at the Standard Mower Pub, aged 30, said: "He wakes up six, seven or eight times a night. He's having nightmares, sometimes he screams out.

"He was never like this before the accident. His leg is very painful where he had the operation and he has to take painkillers. It's very frustrating for him."

Lisa added: "As Thomas is an only child I was very protective of him anyway. I keep on wishing I hadn't phoned him up to tell him to come home for his tea -- then this wouldn't have happened.

"When I am walking down the street I keep on wondering if I am passing the man who knocked Thomas down."

Lisa said she wanted to thank all the people at the scene who helped Thomas and the police for their efforts.

Inspector Tom Graham of Leigh Police said: "We are still making inquiries. We are trying to trace the relevant cars in the area. Witnesses have been shown photographs."

Anyone with information can contact Leigh Police on 0161 872 5050.