SWEET 16 truly was a landmark birthday for Weyhill teenager Phill Mayer yesterday as he celebrated over a special meal surrounded by family and friends.

Throughout the last six months the Andover Advertiser has followed the progress of Harrow Way schoolboy Phill lucky to be alive in July after a serious accident in the derelict Rothsay Hotel. Three weeks after the accident, both of Phill's badly damaged legs were amputated just below the knee.

Phill opted to have yesterday's birthday party at the Bell Inn Harvester Restaurant where 26 friends and family members were thanked for their support during the difficult year.

"I'm surprised he chose to have the party so close to the Rothsay, but he's chosen it for his own personal reasons," said Phill's mum Sandra Hawkins.

She describes Phill's outlook on life as 'amazing' as he continues to recover from the accident.

"The one setback was an infection in his left leg, but he should be continuing his physiotherapy in the New Year," she said.

Phill's return to school has gone well and he is now focusing on taking his GCSEs in the summer.

"He has the love of a great family behind him and some phenomenal friends," said his mum.

Today Phill will be spending his Christmas Eve visiting the staff of the Intensive Care Unit at Winches-ter's Royal County Hampshire Hospital. He wants to thank them for the good care they gave him while he was in hospital.

A well-known Andover resident's generosity has provided Phill with a pleasant end to a turbulent year.

The Mayer family have just returned from Antwerp in Belgium where they enjoyed a music concert of sixties and seventies music courtesy of former Troggs singer Reg Presley.