A BLIND student from Leyland described how his life was saved by his beloved guide dog who died after being hit by a car.

Nine-year-old German shepherd, Granger, died after taking the full force of the car on a busy main road.

His owner John Edwards was crossing Euxton Lane outside Runshaw College, Chorley, with Granger and a female carer when they were hit by a Ford Escort.

Granger, who had been a guide dog from the age of 18 months, suffered major internal bleeding and died shortly after the accident.

But John, 35, and his sighted carer, who has not been named, escaped with relatively minor injuries thanks to Granger.

John said: "The car hit Granger first. He was with me for eight years and he was my life.

"As well as being my best friend he was my independence and he can never be replaced.

"It will take me a very long time to come to terms with this, but hopefully I can eventually get another dog to give me my independence back."

John was heading towards the bus stop on the opposite side of the road after leaving the college, where is is a student, when the accident happened.

Witnesses told him he was thrown onto the bonnet of the car.

"I don't remember anything about what happened," he said.

"I do feel a little better, but I have a long road ahead of me.

"Friends and family have been helping me out but guide dogs give people like me their independence."

Higher National Diploma in IT student John was registered blind as a child and Granger was the only guide dog he had ever had.

He suffered concussion, facial injuries and bruises in the collision at lunchtime on Friday, September 19.

He spent three nights in Chorley Hospital and was discharged on Monday.

A Runshaw College spokesman said: "It appears the dog took the brunt of the force and saved John and his carer from more serious injuries."

Police attended the accident scene and arranged for emergency veterinary treatment for Granger.

A police spokesman said: "The car was driven by a woman in her 30s who lives locally and was travelling in the direction of Euxton village."

Witnesses should call police on 01257 269021.