A boy who survived a killer strain of meningitis is preparing for his first day at school this week.

James Wilkins

It will be a celebration for delighted parents, Fiona and Ian Wilkins, on Wednesday, when their son James walks through the gates of Millbrook Primary School in Grove -- a day before his fifth birthday.

Mrs Wilkins said: "James couldn't wait -- he's been really looking forward to starting school. Obviously I'm really proud and excited for him. What happened to him is something I'm not going to forget but you just try and put it to the back of your mind. We were very lucky."

It is a day they thought might never come after James contracted meningococcal septicaemia in May 1999, aged five months.

Doctors warned that if he survived, he could be left brain-damaged, deaf or blind.

After being just an hour away from death, James, who has a two-year-old sister, Chloe, eventually made a full recovery.

For more information about meningitis call the 24-hour helpline on 0845 6000 800.