A GIRL whose foot was almost severed in an accident with a car is now back home -- surrounded by cards from wellwishers.

Zoe Cornes, aged 11, of Tredgold Street, Horwich, underwent surgery to repair her ankle after the accident last week. She has been allowed out of hospital, but has been told to rest for three weeks. Today she admitted: "I've been very lucky."

Zoe was injured when she ran across Chorley New Road to a shop on Sunday, July, 21. She was struck by a passing car and her foot became jammed under the rear wheel. She was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital where surgeons put her foot back into place in a two-hour operation.

Her leg has been plastered to allow her wounds to heal and she will have to go back to the hospital to have stitches and pins removed over the next two weeks.

She has been told not to put weight on her leg for another three weeks, so is making the most of relaxation time by watching television and catching up with schoolfriends on the telephone.

Zoe, who is due to start at Rivington and Blackrod High School in September, said: "The doctors and nurses have been wonderful. I now feel okay and cannot wait to start playing out with my friends again."

Her mother, Beverley, said: "The telephone hasn't stopped since we got home. And Zoe has had so many cards from wellwishers, including strangers who heard about her accident.

"There are so many people who have helped Zoe. We are so grateful."