A WINDOW cleaner who survived being impaled on a 4ft spike was back home last night, still feeling lucky to be alive.

Three days after his escape, Norman Johnston was released from hospital with little more than a few scars, as the spike missed his vital organs.

Mr Johnston, 35, returned to Grindon, Sunderland, where his recovery is being aided by fiancee Joan Lay and their five-year-old son, Peter, plus a host of well-wishers.

The Northern Echo has chipped in to help bring some more good cheer to Mr Johnston, who has been told to take it easy and stay in the house during the next few days of his recovery.

He is looking forward to returning to his social club for a pint with friends and relations.

With the support of Scottish and Newcastle Breweries, The Northern Echo has arranged for a special delivery of his favourite tipple.

Fiancee Joan, who is to marry Mr Johnston in two months, said that it was a marvellous gesture, but added that he would have to take it easy, as he was still on painkillers.

"He knows he has got to go steady for a while. He is just happy to be home and not in any serious condition," she said.

Mr Johnston spoke of his gratitude for the Get well cards and messages of support he had received since the accident, which included a visit and flowers while in hospital from Phoebe Strong, the woman whose windows he was cleaning, in Seaforth Road, Sunderland, when he fell last Friday.