A BRAVE teenager has been reunited with his girlfriend after both suffered serious injuries when they were struck by lightning.

Mason Billington and Sophie Frost, both 14, were hit by the massive bolt while sheltering under a tree in the King George V Playing Field, Rayleigh, during a heavy storm.

Sophie passed out, but was carried to safety by Mason, even though he could barely see after both his eyes were burnt in the terrifying incident.

The rugby-loving youngster managed to flag down a passing car in Websters Way, and a kindly motorist drove both teenagers, who go to Sweyne Park School in Rayleigh, to Southend Hospital.

Mason’s mum Sonia, 43, of Cheapside West, Rayleigh, said: “He’s OK.

“He’s more concerned about Sophie than his own eyes. He’s very modest about it all.”

Ms Billington said the doctors believe it could take up to a year for Mason’s eyes to repair completely.

Because his eyes are light-sensitive at the moment, he has to wear sun-glasses, suffers bad headaches and needs three doses of eyedrops a day.