A BABY boy struck down by meningitis after being allegedly misdiagnosed is back at home with his parents.

Vanna Howarth, aged six months, is on the road to recovery and is being looked after by his mother, Ann, aged 37, and father Brent, aged 47.

Both said they were "on pins" as they wait to discover if their son's meningococcal septicaemia has caused lasting damage.

Vanna must go for a hearing test in the next few weeks. Any further problems, however, will not become apparent for months or even years.

Despite the fears, Mr Howarth said he was optimistic. He "thanked God" that his son was finally diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia in time. He said: "We're ecstatic that he's returned home. He's happy and he's started to smile again."

Vanna almost died of the deadly strain of meningitis and he spent weeks having treatment at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

He had been suffering from a high temperature, cold hands and feet and vomiting. He had a faint rash and was crying.

Yet Mr Howarth claims the Swan Lane Medical Centre in Bolton would not send a locum doctor to visit Vanna at their home in Tildsley Street, Great Lever.

Instead he and his wife were told to take him to a doctor at the Landmark House Medical Centre, in Chorley New Road, Bolton. A doctor said Vanna had suspected measles and Ibuprofen was prescribed.

The next day, Vanna's rash had turned from red spots to large brown bruises. Meningococcal septicaemia was immediately diagnosed at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Mr Howarth said: "We will be on pins for months and years now. Our fear is that meningitis can bring on epilepsy and learning difficulties."

Mr Howarth has lodged a formal complaint with the Bolton Primary Care Turst, which oversees the running of health centres. They will now be investigating.

Vanna has a few small scars caused during his illness. Meningitis causes blood vessels to leak and some skin to die.

Mr Howarth, a yard manager at Bolton Scaffolding, said: "We want a full apology and a reasonable explanation as to why Vanna was failed as we strongly believe he was. Doctors should listen to the parents. We know our children and we know when something is wrong."