Southampton teenager Chris McBeth has spent the past 12 months living 80 miles from his family after a road accident left him severely disabled.

Earlier this year, doctors declared the 14-year-old well enough to return home after months of intensive treatment in Surrey.

However, he remains living at Tadworth Court children's centre because the family home in Aldermoor, Southampton, is not big enough to meet his needs.

Until now, city housing officials have had nothing else suitable - but a large three-bedroom property in Swaythling has finally been found and is to be converted.

Building work is expected to start in January, with the family hoping to move in either in March or April.

Mum Claire McBeth, 34, said: "Chris came home for a visit in September and his reaction was amazing. He looked around then his face broke out in a huge smile. We can't wait to have him back for six days as it will be the first time he has been able to stay since the accident.

"It will be hard work but lovely to have him home. We all miss him and he misses us."

Learning support assistant Claire, husband Neil, 35, and daughter Chantelle, 12, as well as Chris' grandparents, have lost count of the long treks they have made up the M3 to Surrey.

Chris already makes regular visits back to Southampton but stays at the Rose Road Association's newly-opened Bradbury Centre in Aldermoor.

Chris, who attended St George Catholic School, Swaythling, survived against all odds after being hit by a car as he crossed Lordshill Way, Lordshill, on May 13 last year.

Now brain-damaged and in a wheelchair, the 5ft 11in rugby fan is unable to speak but is learning other ways to communicate.