Teenage footballer Quinton Barham, who suffered cardiac arrest during a youth match, is now talking waving and smiling in hospital, just three days after undergoing heart bypass surgery.

The Clarendon Academy pupil, who collapsed while playing for Bradford Town Youth in an under 14 cup game at Bromham on Sunday, February 3, has amazed doctors with his miraculous recovery and is now talking and moving again.

Quinton, 13, of Hyde Road Trowbridge, underwent a successful heart bypass on Friday afternoon and since then doctors have slowed down his sedation.

His tubes were taken out this morning and he is now breathing by himself, talking, waving and smiling.

His father, Paul Barham, 48, said: “Doctors told me that he is the biggest success they have known.

“I am shocked considering what he has gone through since last Sunday. Age has been on his side and I am extremely pleased he is on the road to recovery.

“He now has very little assistance and is aware of what is happening. He has not asked what happened to him and I won’t tell him until he asks me.”

Quinton has been at Bristol Royal Infirmary since his collapse last Sunday. He remains in intensive care and it is hoped he will be moved on to a ward in the coming days .

Mr Barham, who has been by his son’s side throughout, added: “I am looking forward to having a party in the next few weeks.”