THE family of a Worcester tot who was injured in an accident with a taxi claims there has been a "big improvement" in the youngster's condition.

Relatives of two-year-old Hamad Shahid say the toddler, who is at the Diana, Princess of Wales Children's Hospital in Birmingham, has "come a long way" in the last four days.

"He's started talking now, smiling and eating food," said Ishtiaq Ahmed, one of the toddler's uncles. "He likes to eat chocolate, and he is drinking milk and Ribena."

Mr Ahmed said that his nephew had now started to move his left arm, which is an achievement as Hamad has had difficulty moving his left-hand side since the accident in Wyld's Lane, on Monday, June 11.

The two-year old was standing with his grandparents near a junction when he was in collision with a Mondeo taxi.

Another uncle of the boy, Arif Saleem, happened to drive past the scene moments later and took his nephew to Ronkswood Hospital.

Operation

Hamad, who lives in Albert Road, was then transferred by land ambulance to Birmingham, where he had an operation to remove a blood clot in his brain.

Mr Ahmed claimed that although Hamad was still drifting in and out of consciousness he now shakes hands with visitors.

"He says things such as 'take me from my bed and hold me' and 'take me home'," said Mr Ahmed. "He can also remember things."

Mr Ahmed said that Hamad's memory had most likely been helped by family and friends coming to visit him.

He said the youngster had not had any more operations and his parents were spending all their time by his bedside.

"It has helped him with his parents being there," added Mr Ahmed. "The community still asks every day how he is and we are still praying for him, but there is still a long way to go."

A spokeswoman for the hospital confirmed that Hamad's condition was now "stable."