A boy who doctors feared would not survive after being born at just 24 weeks has enjoyed his first day at school.

Premature Stirling Wakeling weighed just over 1lb at birth and was blessed by a priest because he was not expected to see out the day.

Mother Lucy Young said her son was not breathing when he was born and suffered brain damage as a result.

She said doctors told her he would never walk or talk and even broached the possibility of turning off his life-support machine as she sat by her son's bedside.

The tiny youngster even underwent open heart surgery during the first few months of his life he and has also suffered from chronic lung disease.

But four years later, the brave lad is still astounding medical professionals and yesterday enjoyed his first day at Goldstone Primary in Laburnum Avenue, Hove.

Ms Young said her son has been eager to get to school for most of the holidays and woke early yesterday with anticipation of starting.

She said: “He has been driving me mad about going to school.

“He has really been looking forward to it and loves the socialising.

“It was brilliant to see him run in there, all excited.”

For Ms Young it was a proud day that at one point looked like an impossible dream.

She said: “When he was in hospital the doctors talked to me about turning his machines off and he was blessed by the priest because they thought he would die.

“We have just taken each day as it comes and he has gone from strength to strength.

“He's a miracle child, everyone has said it and he never ceases to amaze me.

“I constantly look at him with fresh eyes, like it's the day he was born.”

Ms Young explained that as well as his own tenacity, her son's remarkable development is thanks to the care he has had from doctors and in his early education.

She said: “Up to about 18 months ago he couldn't even speak but now he is a confident little boy.

“I'd like to say a big thank you to all the staff at the Jeanne Saunders Centre in Hove.

“They are amazing and have worked really hard with him.

“It is people like them who have made all the difference.”