BRAVE David Astbury has astounded friends by the speed of his recovery from major brain surgery - by joining them on a bouncy castle at his school fair, just FIVE days after his life-saving operation.

Plucky David's remarkable return to health is all the more amazing - because he needed emergency treatment after he stopped breathing when he was transferred from Hope Hospital, where the surgeons did the op, to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

Even better news is that doctors' fears that he may suffer permanent damage to his sight after the delicate operation have proved unfounded.

Now back at home in Pickup Street, Clayton-le-Moors, with his mother Amanda, sister Emma, six, and cocker spaniel puppy Candy, David is planning to return to Mount Pleasant school next term.

His mum said : "It was touch and go for a while after the operation but David's a brave little lad and we knew he would pull through.

"He was quite poorly after the operation and is still feeling very weak. But his friends have been around to see him and he's glad to be up and about again.

"The worst is over for us now and David is just looking forward to going back to school."

David suffered a massive brain haemorrhage last December. Doctors postponed the original operation after discovering the damage was worst than first thought.

Amanda, who is now planning a little break for David and sister Emma, six, thanked pupils and staff at David's school for all their words of encouragement.

She said: "I would like to say a big thank you to all the children and staff at Mount Pleasant. They have been very supportive and have cheered David up when he has been feeling a little low. We all appreciate it."

Teacher Simon Blanchard said he was overwhelmed with the courage of his Year Four pupil.

He said: "David is a very likeable lad and extremely brave. He hates going into hospital but he didn't kick up a fuss. Seeing him at the fair was just typical of his determination and bravery and we all wish him a speedy recovery."

David with his pet dog Candy

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