Deftones member Chi Cheng is out of his coma and making the first steps towards recovery.

The bassist has been in a coma since a car crash in Santa Clara, California last November.

The band cancelled all their scheduled performances while his family began an appeal to raise money to help cover his medical costs.

But Cheng's condition improved dramatically over the weekend and he has been moved out of the intensive care unit.

A post on the One Love For Chi website reads, "Hi all - just wanted to update everyone and let you know that Chi was released from ICU over the weekend and is no longer on any sort of life support.

"His symptoms continue to improve. So keep the prayers coming... they are obviously helping a great deal!

"Thanks everyone for your support and well wishes... It means so much to the Cheng family."

The Deftones played their first concert without Cheng last month and are scheduled to take to the stage at August's Reading/Leeds festivals.

(by Daniel Melia)