A COUPLE had to be cut free from the wreckage of their car after an accident in Nelson.

Nissan Micra driver Wesley Southworth, 78, and a passenger, Marion Birtwell, 66, of the same address in Pendle Street East, Sabden, were rescued.

Mr Southworth suffered a chest injury and was allowed home after treatment at Burnley General Hospital.

Mrs Birtwell was detained in hospital suffering from a hip injury.

The accident happened at 7.20pm on Saturday in Carr Road, near the junction with Park Avenue.

Also involved was a BMW driven by Robert Pearson, 38, of Briercliffe Road, Burnley.

Members of his family including two children were in the car but escaped injury.

Leading firefighter Roy Waddington of the Fire and Rescue Service at Nelson said: "We had to cut the passenger side door off."

Recovering at home, Mr Southworth said: "We were on our way to sequence dancing at Nelson Civic Hall when it happened.

"Marion is expected to be in hospital for a few days but thankfully her hip is not fractured."