A HIT and run accident which left a nine-year-old boy lying seriously injured on a pedestrian crossing has resulted in the launch of a new vehicle spot-check campaign.

Thomas Wilson had to have metal pins inserted in a broken left thigh after the accident in Leigh.

It happened around 6pm on Tuesday, January 30, on a pelican crossing outside St Joseph's Hall in Chapel Street, Leigh and it has prompted traffic police to get tough with clampdown checks on drivers and vehicles.

The campaign will target the main offenders such as banned, drunk, unlicensed and uninsured drivers -- as well as defective vehicles. Those suspected of poor driving behaviour may be recommended for a police driver improvement scheme which, if successfully completed, will result in prosecutions being dropped -- apart from in the case of fatal accidents and heavy goods vehicle offences.

Inspector Tom Graham, of Greater Manchester Police's divisional traffic unit, said: "The incident in which the driver left Thomas Wilson on a pelican crossing with a broken leg is one of the worst recent instances. This initiative seeks to reinforce GMP's message that motoring offences are taken very seriously and will not be tolerated.

"Over 30 per cent of all road traffic accidents in Wigan are hit and run, with many resulting in serious injury. Although the reasons for this can vary it is usually down to drink driving, being disqualified or because they only have some, if not any, of the required documents

"As always any information the public can offer is vital in helping us identify offenders ad we ask anyone who can help to call the hot-line telephone 0161 856 7072 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

The spot check campaign has been welcomed by Thomas's parents, Lisa and Michael Wilson.

On Wednesday Mrs Wilson, who works behind the bar at the Standard Mower pub in Leigh, said: "I am pleased the police are doing this.

"Thomas's dressings were taken off yesterday at Leigh Infirmary and he is undergoing hyrotherapy and physiotherapy -- treatment is quite painful for him.

"Thomas still has nightmares. Also when we are pushing him in his wheelchair he gets worried when we come to the edge of the pavement when we want to cross the road. And he is very nervous when travelling in our car."

Leigh RMI under 10s' soccer player Thomas, who is a Year 5 pupil at Leigh St Joseph's primary school, got a boost by masses of get-well wishes from school and soccer club mates, plus a ball signed by RMI's senior squad.

But he got the biggest thrill when St Helens rugby league star Tommy Martyn called at the Wilsons' Bond Street family home with a ball autographed by the world champs from Knowsley Road.

"I can't believe Tommy Martyn's been in our house," said overjoyed Saints' fan Thomas afterwards.