AN Atherton tot who suffered a fractured skull when he was hit by a car a week ago is back home.

Two years-old Daniel Gregory (pictured) came home from the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital on Wednesday after a harrowing week for his anxious family.

But it looks like being an extra special third birthday on Monday for lucky-to-be-alive Daniel.

The little livewire was lucky to escape more serious injury when he slipped a restraining strap from his wrist and ran in to the road just yards from his Thomas Street home.

Yesterday his relieved mum, Sharon, 28, relived the horror accident last Thursday evening. The incident happened as she walked home from Park Lee School with Thomas's sister, Kirty, 7, and four months old baby Naomi.

And Sharon was eager to highlight how the car driver involved, Jean May of Garthmere Road, Atherton, was in no way to blame.

"There was nothing she could do to avoid Daniel," said Sharon.

"We were coming home from Kirsty's school when Kirsty went across Thomas Street to talk with a friend just yards from home.

"Daniel slipped out of a wrist strap used to prevent him walking off and coming to harm.

"He ran across the road to where the girls were and he was coming back across the road when the accident happened. I just knew what was about to happen when I heard the car.

"There was nothing the driver could do. The car appeared to hit Daniel's side and he bounced on to the bonnet then fell on the road. I think his coat got caught and he was dragged by the vehicle.

"I was devastated to see him lying there with blood coming from his head. Kirsty was hysterical, she was blaming herself, but it was not her fault.

"When Daniel ran off I couldn't grab him because he was in front of the pram."

Mrs Gregory said neighbours ran to help and Daniel was taken by ambulance to Bolton Royal then transferred to the children's hospital at Pendlebury.

X-rays revaled a slight skull fracture and at first it was thought he may need plastic surgery to a head wound. But specialists now say this may not be necessary.

"It is amazing, Daniel just had the head injury, but no other bruises at all."

He is due back at hospital today (Friday) to have stitches removed.

Sharon said: "Daniel is all right now -- that's the best Christmas present we could wish for.

"When we brought him out of hospital one of the first things he said was 'I'd better not get run over by a car again'!"

Mrs Gregory said initial reports of Daniel's injuries had been exaggerated.

On Wednesday Daniel spent the first night out of hospital with his father, Martin, a lorry driver, of Wigan Road, Atherton. Mr Gregory and Daniel's mum are separated and due to divorce but during his hospital stay they ensured one of them was there 24 hours a day.

Mrs Gregory says she has been stunned by the amount of visitors to the home and the stack of cards and toys for Daniel which have been sent to the home which she shares with boyfriend Duane Freeborn.

Duane's parents, Albert and Margaret Freeborn of Tyldesley Old Road, Atherton, have looked after Daniel's sisters while mum was at his bedside.

"Everyone has helped as much as they can, I can't thank them enough," said Sharon.

"And the wrist strap can go -- I'll be getting a set of reins for Daniel."

Sister Kirtsy had the last word: "I'm glad he's coming home, but when his head is better I suppose he'll start hitting me again!"