HIS infectious grin says it all. Just three months ago hit-and-run victim Brian Dart lay clinging to life in a hospital bed.

His loved ones feared the worst as he remained in a coma for nearly two weeks after being left for dead by a driver in Southampton.

But today the brave teenager is well and truly back on his feet.

Not only that but he has just celebrated a date doctors feared he would never see - his 16th birthday.

With a hug from delighted mum Alyson Jones, Brian said: "I feel fine. I just want to get back to normal now."

The teenager has amazed doctors with his rapid recovery after being struck down by a car near his father's home at Lordshill.

Brian suffered severe head injuries and remained in a critical condition at Southampton General Hospital for two weeks after the crash, which happened as he walked home after a day out with best friend James Boyes.

A major breakthrough came when staff switched off the ventilator keeping him alive and he whispered a single word: "Mum".

Now rebuilding his life at home in West Wellow, Brian is awaiting his GCSE results and hopes to go to college to train as a mechanic.

Today, relieved Alyson, 35, who kept a round-the-clock vigil at her son's hospital bedside, said: "He is my little miracle.

"What happened to us was every parent's worst nightmare. You never think something like that will happen to you.

"For the time being I have given up everything to look after Brian. We are together 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Brian still faces further tests and assessments to determine any long-term damage suffered in the crash. He remains unable to remember anything about the collision in which a cream Ford Escort hit him as he crossed Lordshill Centre West.

Brian, who had been in the middle of taking his GCSE exams at Mountbatten School in Romsey, said his thanks went to everyone who had supported him, particularly hospital staff, police, friends and family.

Police inquiries into the hit-and-run are continuing. Six Southampton men have now been questioned in connection with the incident. All have been bailed pending further inquiries.