A LITTLE boy who had a lucky escape after being knocked over has thanked the lifesavers who came to his rescue.

Five-year-old Harvey Herron was barely conscious after he was hit by a minibus while trying to cross the road at Rushyford, County Durham, last month.

Harvey had been playing on his bike near his home in Chilton when he ventured a bit too far and ended up beside the A167 Chilton bypass.

The youngster had crossed the road once but as he returned to his friend was hit by a 16-seater travelling towards Ferryhill.

The team from the Great North Air Ambulance (GNAAS) came to the youngster’s rescue and airlifted him to Newcastle RVI.

And despite initial concerns over suspected head injuries, scans later revealed Harvey had escaped with only cuts and bruises.

Harvey, who like Keaton is a pupil at Chilton Academy, chipped a bone in his shoulder and has cuts and bruises but was able to go home the next day.

And after a few weeks spent recovering at home, the youngster, along with his family, including mum Chantelle Oughton and big brother Keaton, eight, was able to thank his rescuers in person with a trip to the GNAAS base at Durham Tees Valley Airport.

Along with his brother, Harvey was treated to a guided tour of the base as well as being allowed to sit in the pilot’s seat of the crew’s helicopter.

Reflecting on the incident, Miss Oughton said: “It was horrible to see [Harvey in the road]. I was looking for him in the streets when his friend came up and said he had been knocked over.

“When I saw all the traffic around him, I thought he was dead – it was the worst day of my life.”

The 27-year-old, who runs an ironing and cleaning business, added: “The guys from the air ambulance were brilliant. They calmed me down and kept saying he was going to be okay and that made me feel better.

“Harvey was really excited to come along and he’s had a great day meeting the team.”

Air crew paramedic, Lee Salmon, who treated Harvey at the scene, added: “It was lovely to meet Harvey and his family and show them round. They brought some cakes which will be much-appreciated by the team.

“It’s always nice getting to see a patient who has made a full recovery.”