A TEENAGER who was critically injured in an horrific car crash is now out of his coma and on his way to recovery.

Andrew McMinn, 19, of Blake Gardens, Great Harwood, was rushed to hospital three months ago when the car in which he was a passenger crashed into a stone wall in Clayton-le-Moors.

He was transferred to Highbank rehabilitation unit, Bury, two weeks ago, after eight weeks in Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn and doctors have told his family he is now out of the coma.

Adele Bolton, Andrew's girlfriend, said: "He is now in his third week of intensive care and doctors say he is out of the coma which is brilliant news.

"There is still a long way to go and we have been told it can take a year or more before recovery is complete, but he is responding very well.

"He now nods and shakes his head or shrugs in response to questions and doctors say he is really active and coming along well. Obviously it is really hard for us all, but the main thing is to get him right and get him home."

The first 12 weeks of Andrew's rehabilitation, costing £2,000 a week, will be paid for by the NHS but his family and friends are now busy fund-raising to help pay for his continued treatment.

As part of this treatment, Andrew, who worked at the Slinger Group, meat supply company, Great Harwood, will learn how to fully use his brain again after the accident.

So far, more than £1,000 has been raised and it is hoped events this week will help to boost the pot. Rovers star David Dunn, a close family friend, also took part in a sponsored penalty-shoot.

Adele, 18, a trainee hairdresser, of Butts Mount, Great Harwood, has set up a collection box at Overheads and Co in Queen Street, Great Harwood, where she works.

Tonight there is a ladies' cocktail night at the United Social Club Commercial Street, from 8pm, including a buffet, raffle, male fashion show and surprise finale. Tickets are £6.

On Sunday Andrew's colleagues are scheduled to do a five-mile tractor pull around local streets starting from the Wood Street offices and finishing at Towngate.

Then, in the afternoon, there is a family fun day at the Weavers Arms with an auction, tug-of-war, bouncy castle and more. To help, call Winnie Murray on 01254 876766.