A YOUNG cyclist was today fighting for his life after being thrown from his bike when it was involved in a collision with a car.

Phillip Haworth, 12, was cycling along the unlit Ribchester Road towards Longridge at about 7pm last night when the accident happened.

Today police urged youngsters to ensure they had lights on their bikes and that they wore bright clothing.

Phillip and his friend were riding near the Corporation Arms when an E-registered Citroen driven by Norman Taylor, 71, of Mersey Street, Longridge, was in collision with Phillip's mountain bike.

Phillip, of Harcourt Road, Blackburn, was thrown from his bike and suffered serious head injuries. He was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital and today transferred to Pendlebury Children's Hospital where his condition was described as "stable".

It is believed Phillip's mother has been at his bedside.

Police said that both boys were wearing dark clothing and there were no lights on their bikes.

The road was partially closed for two hours as police accident investigators studied the scene.

Police are appealing for people who saw the accident or who may have seen the boys cycling beforehand to contact them at Accrington Traffic Unit on 01254 353767.

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