AN 11-year-old boy left critically ill by a fire in his home has been discharged from hospital - almost two months after the blaze.

Jacob Porteous was rescued by fire-fighters from his smoke-filled home in Grenville Road, Thornaby, near Stockton, on August 6.

He had been enjoying a summer holiday lie-in while his mother went to a nearby shop. It is believed the fire was started by a faulty drier.

Jacob, a keen footballer who plays in midfield for Whinney Banks under-12s and who has been scouted by Middlesbrough Football Club, suffered severe smoke inhalation was treated in hospitals in Hull and Middlesbrough.

He is now back home with his parents, and is looking forward to getting back on the football pitch.

Last night his parents thanked the hospital staff who treated their son.

Jacob's mother, Debbie said: "It is unbelievable what they've done."