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

Daniel Gregory is out of hospital and will have stitches in a head wound removed tomorrow in time for his third birthday on Monday. This morning Daniel's mum, Sharon, 28, of Thomas Street, Atherton, told the BEN: "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 and she did not put any blame on the driver of the car involved in the accident which happened just yards from the home.

Mrs Gregory had collected Daniel's seven-year-old sister from Park Lee School and was pushing younger daughter Naomi's pram when Daniel slipped a wrist rein and ran across Thomas Street.

He was on his way back when he collided with a car.

"There was nothing the driver could do to prevent the accident. Having Daniel back all right is the best Christmas present we could have," said Daniel's relieved mum.