BISPHAM pupils said prayers yesterday for their friend fighting for his life in a Manchester hospital.

Matthew Wood, aged ten, of Bangor Avenue, suffered serious head injuries when he was in struck by a Ford Escort in Bristol Avenue at tea-time on Tuesday.

He was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital but his injuries were so severe he was transferred by high-speed escort to Pendlebury Children's Hospital, along with his distraught mother and grandmother.

His condition was critical.

It is believed Matthew had been on his way to Moor Park swimming pool with some of his pals from Moor Park Junior School.

Head of the 360-pupil school David Boydell said Matthew was a quiet, unassuming boy, polite and friendly: "We told the children at assembly what had happened.

"Many of them knew already as Bispham is a close-knit community and his younger brother David attends the school, as do some of his cousins.

"Those of his friends and relatives who were at school were clearly upset. We said prayers for Matthew and his family."

The driver, Hayley Rolfe, 20, of Ormerod Street, Thornton, was shocked but unhurt.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident at 5.05pm. The road was closed for two hours.

Anyone with information should ring Blackpool police on 293933.

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