A TEENAGE student who went blind in a weekend today told of the miracle' that his sight was returning.

Michael Harrison was struck down with a rare and devastating disease last year when he was told he would probably never see again.

Experts said he was probably the only boy in East Lancashire with Leber's Optic Neuropathy, which has no cure.

But after living without sight for over six months, Michael can now make out objects if he looks at them from certain angles.

After an appointment at Burnley General Hospital it was confirmed he was one of the four per cent of sufferers who regain some sight.

It is unlikely, however, the 17-year-old, of Badger Close, Padiham, will ever get his full sight back but it has offered him a glimmer of hope.

Doctors have warned Michael, who will always have blind spots, there is a chance he could lose his sight again if he is put under stress.

Michael who is jumping out of a plane from 10,000 feet in aid of The Royal Blind Society this weekend said: "I noticed a slight difference on Boxing Day. I could see the light flickering when I looked out of the window. It was snow. And from then on I have been able to make things out more and more.

"I cannot see at all in dark rooms. My eyes are still light sensitive and that will never change. But I can see something, which is amazing. It has been like some strange dream that lasted months. I have to keep pinching myself that this is the reality."

The disease, which affects one in 30,000 people between 16 and 24 has no warning of its onset but in rare cases sight can partially return.

The condition, which affects the optic nerve, is hereditary and was probably carried by Michael's mother, but the family have no record of any relative suffering from the condition.

Michael said his family, mum Cath, 47, dad David, 52, and sister 13-year-old Nicola could not believe his luck.

David said: "They told us at the hospital he would never see again. It's amazing. It's just a matter of him getting his life back together now. He can almost go back to normal. It's such good news."

Brenda Midgley, secretary at Burnley and District Blind Society said: "This is absolutely wonderful news for Michael. Myself and our members can't quite believe it. I'm so pleased for him."

Lancashire Evening Telegraph's GP columnist, Dr Tom Smith, said: "He was very unlucky to get it in the first place but he is one of a small minority who recover their sight."