A POPULAR teenager who was hit by a bus outside his school could be left blinded on one eye – but says he is “just happy to be alive”.

Aaron Crockett, 16, was airlifted to hospital following the incident outside Richmond School, in North Yorkshire, on Thursday, June 4.

His mother, Lisa Miller, is calling for the 30mph speed limit outside the school to be reduced.

She said: “I don’t know what caused the accident. The police are still investigating, but I definitely think there should be a lower speed limit outside schools and I’ll make it my personal mission to get one at Richmond.”

Aaron has since been discharged from The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, and is recovering at home in Topcliffe, near Thirsk.

He is unable to see out of his left eye and will undergo tests to find out if the sight loss is permanent.

He said: “I can’t remember the accident itself. The first thing I knew was when woke up in hospital.

“I feel alright now – I’m just worried about my eye.

“But I’m trying to stay positive though because I know I’m lucky to be alive.”

Aaron had taken a GCSE English exam on the day of the accident and will be allowed to sit the rest of his exams later this year.

Mrs Miller said: “It was terrible seeing him lying in the resuscitation room, all wired up to machines. Nothing can prepare you for it. I just broke down.

“There is nothing worse as a parent than seeing your child helpless. We want to thank the air ambulance staff, who took such good care of him, and everyone who sent messages of love and support.

It helps to know how much people care about Aaron.”

Aaron’s uncle, Michael Wilson, said: “Aaron’s got a great sense of humour and it’s really helping him through it.

“He’s a very popular lad – the phone hasn’t stopped ringing since he left hospital.

“All the family are keeping their fingers crossed and wish him a speedy recovery.”

A spokesman for North Yorkshire County Council said: “While it’s not a statuary obligation to have a 20mph speed limit outside schools, it is best practice. If we are approached with a request for a speed limit, we will certainly look into it.”