YOUNG ETHAN Holloway is making an amazing recovery - from being close to death just three days ago, he's now itching to go home and see his friends.

The seven-year-old from Hafodyrynys touched the hearts of readers all over Gwent and website users from as far away as Australia, and these pictures show just how far he has come.

The Swffryd Primary School pupil was critically injured last Thursday after a collision with a car on the A472 near his home.

Twice he had to undergo surgery at the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff to remove a blood clot from his brain, and his family asked Argus readers on Saturday to pray for his recovery.

The same day, the youngster started to improve, and his delighted family now say he is eating, drinking - and asking to go home.

Grandmother Katrina Holloway said: "We keep telling him he's not well enough to go home yet but he keeps saying he is. It's a real relief.

We think he will make a full recovery.

She added the family were moved by the more than 100 messages of support left on the Argus website, including messages from Ethan's school friends and neighbours in Swffryd.

Mollie, from Ethan's school, said: "Ethan get well very soon, everyone is missing you in school."

Logan and Aaron said: "Ethan we all prayed for you today in school, but me and Ethan W felt sad. We hope you get better soon."

Cameron added: "My best mate in school, hope you get well really soon. Stay strong."

Mrs Holloway said: "We're going to print off the messages and make up a scrap book for him. I was really touched to read all those messages.

It's nice to know so many people out there really care."

Ethan has now been moved from a high dependency ward to a normal ward.

Gwent Police have asked anyone with information about the incident in which Ethan was injured to call 01633 838111.