A PLUCKY little dog had a lucky escape after a lorry ploughed into its owner's car.

Welsh Terrier Bazil escaped without a scratch from the Hoghton smash that made headlines last week after the lorry driver fell ill at the wheel, shunting a Vauxhall Corsa along the road and eventually turning over on its side.

But nine-year-old Bazil, who was in the Corsa, managed to jump out of the smashed rear window to safety.

His owner, pensioner Eileen Brown from South Ribble Street, Walton-le-Dale, explained: "I went to visit my friend in Hoghton and parked my car outside for about five minutes.

"When I looked out of the window, my car had disappeared and I saw Bazil running up the road.

"By the time I got outside and saw my smashed-up car further up the road, he had gone.

"Everyone was telling me what had happened to my car but I was just too worried about Bazil to care.

"Thankfully, eventually he came trotting along as though nothing had happened.

"He was a little shaky and didn't eat for a couple of days but he's fine now."

The accident happened on Friday April 23 on Station Road, Hoghton. Driver Michael Davies was taken to Royal Preston Hospital after crashing his Pristine Pine lorry. Paramedics suspected he had suffered a heart attack.

He was discharged from hospital last Thursday and is now recovering at home in Preston.

Meanwhile widow Eileen, 74, said Bazil was now enjoying a few extra doggy treats and basking in his new-found fame.

"I lived in Hoghton for 30 years and I often walk Bazil there so everyone knows us and lots of people have been asking after us.

"So many people saw the car smashed up and feared the worst.

"My car's a write off but I'm just glad Bazil's OK."

LUCKY POOCH: Bazil jumped free from the wreckage