LUCKY-to-be-alive Morley Seddon has opened his eyes and spoken for the first time since his 20ft horror fall from a mill roof.

The seven-year-old was was able to talk to his relieved family when medics took him off a ventilator yesterday.

Morley, of London Terrace, Darwen, is being treated for serious head injuries in the intensive care unit at The Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in Pendlebury.

He was rescued by firefighters after plunging though a skylight covered with corrugated plastic sheeting at Kay Street Mill, Darwen, last Thursday evening.

The Sudell Primary School pupil lives with his dad, Keith and has a one-year-old brother, Connor. His grandparents, Bill and Pam, also live in London Terrace. The family have been keeping a vigil at his bedside.

Bill said: "Morley was brought round properly for the first time. Most of what he was saying was incoherent and he is hyperactive in everyday life, so he was thrashing around a lot.

"But we were able to get through to him. He mentioned falling and asked about his friend who he was playing out with when it happened.

"It was great to see him open his eyes because at the weekend we didn't know if he was going to make it.

"Doctors are happy with his progress, but it is still early days and we have been told to expect his recovery to be a long job."

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