Racer lucky to be alive

Anthony Farrow, 19, of Cross Lane, in Barley, was hit by the bolt of lightning as he was sitting on his bike shortly before the start of his third race at Finningley Motorpark.

His sister, Amanda Farrow, 27, of Knotts Lane, Colne, and girlfriend Katie Duxbury, 16, of Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, were also hit as they marshalled at the event yesterday afternoon.

They said they were among a group of about 15 people who were struck all at the same time but, much to their amazement, none of the trio was injured.

Kevin Waterworth, of Gannow Lane, Burnley, was also involved in the incident but was not hurt.

Anthony, an engineer at Adpak, in Nelson, said: "I was racing and some of my family were watching. My girlfriend and sister were marshalling and were about 200 yards away from me when it happened.

"It had started raining and thundering and lightning but the racing had carried on. I went down to the line and was talking to someone who was holding an umbrella.

"All I can remember is there being a big bang and all the umbrellas lit up blue. I was lifted off the bike and was hovering over it and it felt like someone lifted me up and I was thrown about eight feet.

"All the hairs on my arms were singed and my body seized up and I couldn't move. I thought I was going to die.

"I could just see people lying on the ground and hear people screaming. My sister was on the floor as well and my dad didn't know where to go."

Those involved in the incident were taken to hospital.

Anthony said: "My heart was definitely beating faster than normal but I am okay.

"They told us that Katie's shoes saved her because of the big rubber soles and with me being on the bike which has rubber wheels that saved me."

A spokesman for South Yorkshire police confirmed that several people had been treated by the ambulance service.

One person was said to be seriously burned.