A former regional press journalist left in a coma after a street attack has been pictured sitting up and smiling in hospital.

Gary Carter is seen smiling in the photograph while he recovers from the assault, which took place in London in November.

Freelance sports journalist Gary, a former Manchester Evening News and Lancashire Telegraph staffer, was found with serious head injuries in the Bethnal Green area on 6 November after covering an England rugby league match in the capital.

He was placed in an induced coma following the assault, and has also had to battle a lung infection while in hospital.

James Flanagan, 35, is due to be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court this month after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm.

In a Facebook post welcoming in the New Year, Gary’s wife Gemma shared a picture of her with Gary at Salford Royal Hospital, below, and thanked their friends for their support during his recovery.

Wrote Gemma: “2015 has been the most challenging year of our lives.

“I’m welcoming 2016 with open arms and staying focused on the one thing in the world that means the most to me, my husband, Gaz.

“We would have never got this far without the support of our wonderful families and friends and words cannot explain how grateful we are for this.

“Long may it continue for a healthy and happy future. Happy new year from the Carters and raise a glass to our fabulous NHS this evening!”