Corey was injured in a road accident

Music fan Corey George was unconscious for two weeks on a life support machine after being knocked down by a car on his ninth birthday.

Then his mother Tina played him a CD by his favourite punk-pop band, Green Day.

Less than an hour after hearing the album, American Idiot, he had opened his eyes and was able to move his fingers and toes.

Four days later Corey, from the village of Aberaman in Aberdare, south Wales, was well enough to be moved out of intensive care and into a high-dependency unit.

The American band is currently touring in Japan, but band members have sent a get well message and have arranged for a pack of Green Day merchandise, including CDs and t-shirts, to be delivered.

"The boys are incredibly pleased that one of their tracks has brought Corey out of his coma," said a spokeswoman.

"They hope he continues with his recovery and makes a full return to health."

Corey's father Martyn, 35, said everyone had been amazed at his recovery.

"His mother played his favourite Green Day album and within an hour he had opened his eyes," he said.

American Idiot is Green Day's ninth album

"He loves Green Day and is always playing their records. The title track we played is his favourite - he listens to it all the time."

Corey suffered severe head injuries when he was involved in collision with a 4x4 vehicle while he was on his way to a shop to spend his birthday money.

His father Martyn, mother Tina, 32, stepfather Darran Jones, 36, and other members of the family, kept a bedside vigil.

Grandmother Janet George spoke of their relief when Corey came round on Sunday.

'Giant card'

"Corey got the CD as a birthday present," she said. "He isn't talking yet or anything but he's off the critical list, that's the main thing."

Scores of cards and dozens of balloons and gifts have been sent to the hospital for Corey.

The rugby-loving youngster plays for the Aberaman club's mini team and all his team mates and coaches have sent get well wishes.

Each class in Blaengwawr Junior School made a giant card containing all the pupils' signatures and messages also from his teachers.