'Miracle' boy's first school day

Four-year-old Alexander now goes to Winshill Village Primary School

A boy who doctors feared would not survive after he was born four months premature has started school.

Alexander Grief, four, of Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, weighed little more than a pound and was given a 12% chance of survival by doctors.

His eyes were still fused shut and his lungs and other organs were not fully developed.

Mother Stacie Hylans said he was the size of an Action Man doll as a baby and described his life as a "miracle".

The only signs now of his early problems are a slight visual impairment and some minor learning difficulties.

'Touch-and-go'

Alexander started at Winshill Village Primary School on Tuesday.

Alexander was given a 12% of survival when he was born

Ms Hylans said: "There were a few moments where it was touch-and-go.

"I tried not to let myself get too attached but not being able to hold him, that was hard."

She added: "It is just one of those days that we didn't know if it was going to come because there have been times when we didn't know if he was going to survive."

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Alexander Grief weighed just over a pound when he was born