A schoolboy who was shot in the back has returned home after just four nights in hospital and is already looking forward to the new term.

Craig Claridge at home with his sister Charlene, 16, and parents Dave and Deborah

Craig Claridge, 14, had two operations at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford after the incident in the centre of Didcot last Thursday (August 19).

Craig was shot in the back with lead pellets from a shotgun. The first operation on Friday was to remove the shot and the second on Sunday was to close his wounds to ensure they did not become infected.

He was expected to spend more than a week in hospital but has surprised doctors with his speedy recovery and last night (Monday, August 23) returned to the family home in Dirac Place, Didcot.

As Craig arrived with father Dave Claridge, 36, a Thames Water technician, and his mother Deborah, 36, a teaching assistant, they were greeted by a large Welcome Home banner, signed by neighbours along the street.

The sports-mad St Birinus Boys' School pupil is walking with a limp and will have to return to hospital for check-ups and to have the wounds treated, but is expected to make a full recovery.

He told the Oxford Mail: "I'm feeling OK -- there's just a bit of pain. I hope to start back at school at the beginning of term."

The teenager was overwhelmed by messages of support while he was in hospital and had visits from more than 30 friends each day.

His mother said: "I'm glad Craig is home. We didn't expect him back until later in the week." The shooting incident, at the junction of Edinburgh Drive and King Alfred Drive, where young people congregate at night, shocked the town.

Mrs Claridge, who had not left the hospital since she accompanied Craig in the ambulance, said: "There have been 30 or 40 of his friends visiting him in the hospital nearly every day."

Mr Claridge, who also runs a karaoke and DJ entertainment business, DD Road Show, said: "So many of Craig's mates visited him in hospital that I couldn't get near his bed at times. The support has been wonderful."

Some of Craig's friends helped comfort him at the scene of the shooting until paramedics and police arrived, along with his parents. Mr Claridge said: "We don't know when he will make a complete recovery."

At Oxford Magistrates' Court on Saturday, two men were remanded in custody charged in connection with the shooting.

Simon Roberts, 18, and David Johnson, 20, were charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Johnson, of no fixed address, was also charged with being in possession of a firearm enabling another person to endanger life.

Roberts, of Banwell Avenue, Swindon, was also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

The pair, both labourers, are due to appear at Oxford Crown Court on Friday (August 27.