When miracle boy Archie Tripp was born at just 24 weeks doctors feared he might not survive, but this week he proved their predictions wrong as he set off to school for the first time.

Archie weighed just 1lb 10oz, less than a bag of sugar, when he was born at the RUH in Bath.

He endured several operations on his intestines and had laser eye surgery.

The four-year-old has now gained a place at King’s Lodge Primary School, Chippenham, starting with morning sessions for four weeks.

For his parents Peter, 51, and Marcie, 38, of Stapleford Close, Pewsham, this is an incredible milestone.

They remember travelling to see Archie in hospital at the Bath Royal United and St Michael’s Hospital, Bristol, and wondering if he would ever come home.

Mrs Tripp said: “He was in hospital for four-and-a-half months. When he was born I couldn’t imagine him starting school, we just tried to make it through hour by hour.

“Some days I would think ‘one day we will be out of here’, others I thought ‘we’re not going to make it’. They were really dark days, but it was worth it when I took him home.

“I know when he puts the uniform on it’s going to be really emotional. He’s my only child, so there’s going to be a lot of tears because he’s still my baby.”

Archie, who has been to Lodge Farm Nursery School, in Kington St Michael, for the past three years, is used to meeting new people and making friends.

He enjoys playing on the computer and playing football with Mr Tripp, a former assistant manager for Corsham and Chippenham Town who has his own building company.

Mrs Tripp said: “When I say to Archie he’s going to go to school he thinks I’m going with him and we say ‘no you’re going on your own’.

“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, but I’m hoping it won’t be too much of a shock.

“All I want is for him to be happy and just to work to the best of his ability – the main thing is that he’s happy.”