A TODDLER left critically ill after he was hit by a car is a "little miracle" who is now taking his first steps in nearly three months.

Two-year-old Dylan Phillips is lucky to be alive after getting away from his father and running out in front of a car near his home in Lambert Close, Newport, on July 8.

Now he is starting to walk again and on Tuesday went to playgroup for the first time since before the accident.

His parents, Stephanie and Mike Phillips, can still hardly believe he survived the impact. It was feared Dylan's accident might leave him disabled, and although he is now well and progressing in his recovery, he will need long-term monitoring for any lingering after-effects of his injuries.

Mrs Phillips, 22, said: "The doctors didn't even think he would survive the weekend."

Dylan had swelling and bleeding on the brain, a fractured skull, a broken leg, three broken ribs, a collapsed lung and two breaks in his left arm. Mrs Phillips said: "He had a massive hole in his head where he hit the road. And he's still here - a real little miracle."

Mr Phillips, 31, a former chef, was with Dylan when the accident happened on Barrack Hill, opposite the park. His memories of the day are just a blur. He said: "It all happened so fast - one minute he was holding my hand, the next he wriggled free and dashed out in front of the car.

"My instinct was to call 999. But my first thought was that he was dead." Dylan was in the Royal Gwent Hospital within just ten minutes thanks to the quick response of the ambulance and police.

Neighbours also rushed to help, including Joy Lewis who organised prayer chains for Dylan. Mrs Phillips said: "It was amazing - strangers all over the world were thinking of Dylan."

Police investigations into the accident were completed and officers said no further action was being taken.