15380/1GAZETTE & HERALD: A CALNE schoolgirl who was hit by a pickup truck has been reunited with her family after only two-and-a-half weeks in hospital.

Delighted father Peter Horne said when he saw his daughter's injuries he didn't think she would return home so soon. Ellie Horne, seven, from Abberd Way, was hit while crossing the road three weeks ago.

Ellie, who attends St. Dunstan School in Calne, was crossing the road outside her house to wait for a lift to the Tuesday Club at the Gospel Hall just before 5.30pm.

Between the time her father, Peter, 53, had left her at the door and returned to the lounge to see if Ellie was still waiting a neighbour had called over to tell him she had been knocked down. She was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford because of a fear of brain injuries. She suffered a broken leg and facial injuries, losing all her bottom teeth, but has made a remarkable recovery that her father says stunned her doctors.

"I'm over the moon she is back even though I am running around like a headless chicken after her. She's smiling a lot now and glad she's home," said Mr Horne.

"She keeps asking when she will be able to go back to school and that is another good sign."

The driver of the pickup truck is still helping police with enquiries. Any witnesses are asked to contact PC Mark Finister on (01249) 716564.