BRAVE Thomas Franklin is back at school and making a great recovery after surgery following a chip pan accident.

Seven-year-old Thomas had to have skin grafts on his left cheek and right arm after boiling fat spilled over his face and head. He suffered burns to 15 per cent of his body.

But this week the youngster, of Meadow End, Fulbrook, Burford, had his first day back at Burford Primary school and was greeted enthusiastically by his classmates.

His mum, Jill, 33, said: "He was over the moon to be back.

"When he was in hospital, the school bought him a Buzz Lightyear doll and he had pens and books and paper and cards. He had lots and lots of stuff.

"They were wonderful at the school. They all treat him with kid gloves at the moment. He's quite happy and chirpy.

"He wears a hat to cover the scars on his head and so the sun can't get to it."

Mrs Franklin said Thomas's face was not as badly scarred as they had feared it was going to be although doctors at the hospital are worried about his temple and she thinks he may need another skin graft.

But all the bandages are now off his arm.

Mrs Franklin said: "He can have a bath now, it's wonderful."

Thomas has been out of Stoke Mandeville hospital and back with his mum, brother James, 12, and sister Sarah, 13, for a week. He will make weekly visits to the hospital for check ups.

Thomas was burnt when he slipped as he was tidying up the kitchen. The chip pan was right back against a wall on a working surface and his mother thinks he must have grabbed at it as he fell.

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