The family of a young boy who has been in hospital since a horror car crash on the M66 killed his aunt has given an update on his condition.

Frankie Hough, 38, was driving the car which also contained her two sons, Tommy and Rocky, and her nephew, Tobias Welby, on Saturday, May 13, when they were crashed into.

The pregnant mother of two died two days later on May 15.

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At an inquest into her death, the coroner's court heard how Frankie had pulled onto the hard shoulder when a car that was travelling at "excessive speed" lost control and crashed into her car.

A 22-year-old man, Adil Iqbal, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving in relation to the injuries sustained by Tommy and Tobias.

While Iqbal will appear at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, on June 19, Tobias' family have been providing updates on the four-year-old's condition from his hospital bed.

Two weeks ago, his parents, Becci and Arron Welby, said their "hearts ache inside" as their son had been placed in an induced coma with a brain injury and suspected fractured skull.

Calling him their "brave boy" and "our warrior", the pair said Tobias faces a long road to recovery and praised medics who are working "around the clock".

In a follow-up on May 21, Tobias' grandfather, John Welby, said he had "good news" though said his grandson "isn't out of the woods yet".

Still, John said Tobias' scan revealed no oxygen was lost in the brain, meaning he hasn't sustained any brain damage, and there are no broken bones though he does have swelling on his spine and neck.

"We are hoping to reduce his meds and take him off the life machine this week if nothing changes.

"Fingers crossed", John wrote in a post on social media.

The family then said Tobias banked some "very good days" in a row as he is "looking more aware each day".

"Every few hours, with every reduction of sedation, we see a little more of our boy.

"He is smiling and following instructions that we ask him to do.

"You can see there is love in his eyes and his huge personality still shines through in fluttering moments and then he drifts back off to sleep", they said.

While the youngster remains in hospital and has been on strong medication for weeks since the crash, the family posted a heartwarming update of Tobias where he is smiling and giving a thumbs up from his hospital bed.

His father wrote: "Your prayers have helped.

"Tobias means 'God is good' and we have complete faith.

"The road to rehabilitation could be a long process but with patience, there is light at the end and knowing our boy, nothing will keep him down."

In another video, two women are playing a keyboard and the cello to Tobias from his hospital bed.

"The power of music", Arron wrote in the post as the video showed Tobias intently watching the performance.

The father also revealed the boy has been moved out of intensive care and is ready for the rehabilitation programme.

He continued: "We have a long ride ahead but he is such a warrior.

"It's only been a few days since he's come around so his body is weaker than before and doesn't do what he wants it to at first, but when he thinks about it, he can and is capable.

"We are happy with the knowledge that our boy is here, he is such a fighter.

"I have promised him so many toys and changes when he was asleep - looks like I will have to keep my word.

"He can't wait for his new dinosaur bedroom."

Arron then extended his thanks once again to the "incredible team of nurses and doctors".

"You have given our family a second chance", he added.

It is understood the other two boys, Rocky and Tommy, are also recovering well.

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