YOUNGSTERS have been warned to stay away from railway lines after a schoolboy survived an electric shock of 25,000 volts.

Michael Ellison, 16, was recovering in hospital last night after he was left with burn holes to his scalp and forehead. His toes are so badly injured that doctors fear they may have to amputate them, and his feet are now permanently damaged.

The electricity hit his head before travelling through his body and out of his toes - melting his trainers and metal eyebrow ring.

Michael, from Blyth, Northumberland, will be scarred for life but is lucky to be alive after the accident.

The teenager had climbed onto the East Coast main line near Newcastle for a dare after being goaded by older boys.

Even though he did not touch the live overhead lines, the 25,000-volt charge was powerful enough to jump the wires.

He remembers little of his ordeal except crawling to a phone box to call for help.

His metal eyebrow ring was welded to his face and his trainers and socks were welded to his feet.

He was rushed to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary where he is recovering from his injuries.

The youngster's father, Shaun, said: "I want other parents to see what happened to Michael as a warning. Please, please tell them to stay away from railway lines."