A relieved mum today told of the "magical" moment her son regained consciousness days after a serious accident.

Elizabeth Firth kept a vigil at 16-year-old Sam's bedside after he was hit by a taxi at Bradford's Killinghall Road on February 4.

Sam was rushed to Bradford Royal Infirmary's intensive care unit and urgent tests were carried out to trace any signs of brain damage.

Although these proved negative, the former Hanson School pupil did not gain consciousness until more than 48 hours later.

Mrs Firth, of Oxford Road, said: "I just couldn't face seeing him in the intensive care unit but his dad was by his side all the time. When they moved him into the normal ward we were both there. It was hell just waiting for him to come round - there was nothing we could do for him."

The distraught parent had said she would not be convinced Sam was out of danger until he opened his eyes.

Her agonising wait came to an end on Monday morning when Sam woke up and looked up at his parents. She said: "He opened his eyes and I just burst into tears. It was a magical moment - I was so relieved."

She added: "To start with he could not speak. After a while, he was able to say 'mum' and 'dad'."

As the concussion subsided, Sam's senses returned and he was finally discharged from hospital on Thursday.

"His reactions are still a little bit slow but the doctors say they will speed up with time," said Mrs Firth.

As well as concussion, Sam suffered a dislocated shoulder and extensive bruising in the accident. Sam, who had followed a friend across the road, was hit by a taxi which stopped at the scene.

A police spokesman said the incident, at around 11.30pm, was being investigated.

Mrs Firth said: "We have been told he has to get lots of rest over the next two weeks. I am just so glad that he was not more seriously hurt. It is brilliant to have him home - I could not go through anything like that again."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.