The family of accident victim of Daniel Winter, who was left fighting for his life after being hit by a car, thanked friends and family for their support.

The 20-year-old, of Ridge-mead, Calne, has amazed his friends with a dramatic improvement after head injuries sustained in the accident, in North Street, Calne, on May 17, had left him in a coma.

Dad Stephen Winter said: “Daniel and his family would like to thank the emergency services, doctors and nursing staff at Neuro ICU at John Radcliffe Oxford and Great Western Hospital Swindon, where he is still an in-patient.

“We would also like to thank family and friends for their messages of support over the past few weeks.

“Daniel is recovering well but it will take time to reach a full recovery.”

Matty Sparkes, 22, set up a Facebook group to support his second cousin. He said: “When I first went to see him in hospital it was quite upsetting but the progress he has already made has been amazing.”

Mr Winter regained consciousness two weeks after the accident and within a few days he had built up enough strength to chat to nurses and visitors.

“When I found out he had woken up I was over the moon,” Mr Sparkes said. “He recognises everyone and he has a lot to say – he is the same person as he always was. He has got loads of cards and a stereo and TV in his room but he still gets bored because he is not used to it.”

Mr Winter turns 21 next month, and his family hope he will be out of hospital for his fancy dress celebrations.

Mr Winter, who works for Wilkin’s Builders, was on his way home from a night out commemorating the fifth anniversary of his older brother Lee’s death when the accident happened.