A HIT-AND-RUN victim today said he was lucky to be alive after being thrown 50 feet from his motorcycle -- and landing head first against a tree.

Anthony Sapherson, 17, of Langham Road, off Shear Brow, Blackburn, today appealed for people to help trace the driver who sped into him at 80mph.

Remarkably, he crawled away with just a sprained ankle and severe bruising - but a huge crack in his motorbike helmet prompted him to say: "I could have been killed."

The incident happened as Anthony rode his Aprilla RS125 motorcycle home from a nightshift unloading wagons at the Links delivery depot in Leyland.

Anthony, who lives with his mother and two brothers, was driving along Moulden Brow just before it turns into Preston Old Road, Blackburn, when the car overtook him.

He said: "I was doing about 40mph and the car came behind me and about twice the speed. One second I looked behind and nothing was there, and the next second I was on the floor after a hit-and-run.

"I didn't even see what type of car it was. It happened so fast.

"I wobbled and hit the kerb. Then I went over the handlebars and travelled 50ft down the grass before coming to a stop against trees.

"The bike landed on top of me.

"I managed to get it off and crawled to the road for help."

Anthony said that eight cars passed him as he appealed for help at 7.30am on November 6. But one man eventually stoppped after 10 minutes and took him home.

He added: "It hadn't sunk in until I got home. Then all I was thinking was that I could have died.

"Everyone has said I have been really, really lucky."

Anthony was treated at Blackburn Infirmary and was off work for a week.

He added: "They may read this and feel guilty and say I didn't realise I had done it. Or they may have known and sped off.

"My mum can't believe they just drove off but I just want to know what happened."

The £4,000 bike, which Anthony bought new in January, needs extensive repairs but should be roadworthy again.

Police are investigating the incident and whether the driver deliberately drove off. PC Jonathan Cisco added: "The vehicle was travelling in the direction of Blackburn and failed to stop.

"We are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward and help us piece together what happened."

Witnesses are asked to call Blackburn police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.