A mother who was left in a coma after a head-on smash with an ambulance has received a special visit from a pop star.

Chantal Tyrrell, of Harwich, suffered head, pelvic and leg injuries in the collision in September 2006.

She still has brain damage and her speech remains badly impaired.

But her family said she was able to recognise Take That star Mark Owen when he paid her a surprise visit.

Chantal's four-year-old son was also severely injured in the crash, but has since made a full recovery.

She was taking him to a birthday party in her Peugeot 106 when the crash happened on the A120 between Ramsey and Wix.

Chantal, 32, had been at the Royal Hospital in Putney for more than a year when the singer made the visit.

Chantal's mum, Janet, of Fronks Road, Dovercourt, said his visit had helped the family.

She said: "I think it really did give her a boost."

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