A MOTORIST involved in a collision that broke a woman's back, hip, arm, and elbow has been sent on a driving awareness course.

The 39-year-old was driving a blue Ford Focus towards Accrington in Blackburn Road, when he collided with a pedestrian close to the Co-operative Pharmacy.

The pedestrian, a 67-year-old woman, was taken to Royal Preston Hospital where she was continuing to recover yesterday.

Police said she is recovering well from the collision, which happened at around 12.20pm on June 1.

Officers said the driver was reported for driving without due care and attention and was due to attend a driving awareness course.

But despite the collision happening eight days ago, police only appealed for witnesses to come forward yesterday.

PC Mike Smith, from the Road Policing Unit, said: "The pedestrian was seriously injured in the collision but is fortunately making a good recovery in hospital.

"I would appeal to anyone who either witnessed the incident or were in the vicinity at the time to come forward."

A Lancashire Police spokeswoman would not comment on how the decision to send the driver on a course was reached, and said the investigation was still ongoing.

Deputy leader of Hyndburn Council, Paul Cox, said he was 'surprised'

He said: "I don't know the particulars of the case but it does sound a bit surprising."

Driving awareness courses, introduced 10 years ago, are handed out to motorists caught committing road traffic offences.

Rather than being designed as a punitive measure, they are used to educate drivers on how to be safer on the roads.

Offences committed by participants can include using a mobile phone while driving, driving a vehicle while not in proper control or without a proper view, speeding, running a red or amber light, or ignoring a traffic sign.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.