GAZETTE & HERALD: Peter Horne, father of schoolgirl from Calne who was hit by a pickup truck while crossing the road last week, says she is making a tremendous recovery.

Ellie Horne, seven, from Abberd Way, was crossing the road outside her house to wait for a lift to the Tuesday Club at the Gospel Hall just before 5.30pm on Tuesday last week.

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.

Mr Horne then went with the ambulance to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon before Ellie was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford because of her brain injuries.

Ellie had suffered a broken leg and facial injuries, losing all her bottom teeth, and a fractured cheekbone, but since last week she has recovered enough to return to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon.

Mr Horne said he cannot wait for Ellie to come back home: "Her face is still very swollen and badly bruised. She did not realise at first she had a broken leg and she even asked me to take her cast off.

"I don't think she realises what's actually happened. She's beginning to smile now and she laughed today but she is very sad she can't come home yet.

"Her recovery rate seems to be so fast it's like she is willing herself to get better. She's a very strong-willed lady.

"It's heartbreaking when your little girl wants to come home but you know she's in the best place."

Mr Horne said he had been amazed by everyone's kindness and wanted to thank friends, family and those who helped when Ellie was knocked down.

"We've had lots and lots of cards, a box of chocolates and a teddy bear from a lady I didn't even know.

"The paramedics in the ambulance and the hospital staff were outstanding and very helpful. The staff in Swindon and Oxford were brilliant too and they were so caring and understanding all the way through."

"Finally I would like to say a fantastic thank you to my wife's carer who has spent a lot of time here helping me look after my wife.

The driver of the pickup truck has not been charged, but is still helping with enquiries, and Corsham Police are appealing for witnesses. Contact PC Mark Finister on (01249) 716564.