BRAVE schoolboy John Potter is ready to celebrate a late Christmas with his family after winning his fight for life.

He has been allowed home from hospital to continue his recovery from life-threatening injuries after a road accident.

John's Christmas Day was postponed after he was left fighting for his life in the intensive care unit at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

But the yuletide spirit will return to the family home in Burnley Road, Accrington, this Saturday.

His mother, Gina, said: "We couldn't celebrate Christmas in hospital, but now he is home we are going to have our own Christmas Day.

"It will be a joint celebration to mark Christmas and his homecoming. "John has made a remarkable recovery and has amazed everyone. We are delighted to have him home.

"However, we are still trying to get a turkey for the party."

Three weeks ago, Hollins High School pupil John, 14, was on a ventilator at the Manchester hospital.

He suffered chest injuries, a badly shattered leg, broken pelvis, arm and collar bone in a collision with a van in Manchester Road, Accrington.

His parents, Ken and Gina, remained at his hospital bedside throughout his ordeal.

Mrs Potter added: "He is using a wheelchair at the moment and ramps have had to be installed at home for him to get about.

"He is doing well and visits hospital two or three times a week for check-ups.

"However, I think it will be some time before he returns to school."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.