A DRIVER swerved to avoid a family of ducklings on the road then lost control of his car and rolled down an embankment.

Geoffrey Taylor, 47, of Abbots Close, Rawtenstall, was travelling on the A56 Accrington bypass towards the M65 when he saw the duck leading her brood across the dual carriageway.

His Ford Fiesta turned over twice as it rolled down the embankment near the Accrington turn-off and landed on its roof next to the slip-road.

A passing Accrington fire crew stopped to assist the driver and his passenger Gordon Coates, 25, of Rushton Close, Nelson.

Both suffered cuts and bruises and were taken to Burnley General Hospital for treatment.

Leading firefighter David Fielden said: "The car was a write-off. They were very lucky not to be seriously hurt."

The ducks were unharmed.

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