A GREAT-grandmother has been seriously injured in a road accident just three weeks after her husband died.

Edna Smith, 76, of Whalley Road, Accrington, was crossing Plantation Street, Accrington, when she was in a collision with a Fiat Uno at 7.30pm yesterday.

She was due to undergo surgery later today to repair fractures in her left leg and in one of her hands.

The pensioner also broke her right ankle, fractured her knee cap and suffered multiple bruising and abrasions.

She had been returning home from a church service at St Paul's Church, Plantation Street.

Police are now appealing for witnesses. They had to close the road for two hours while they carried out investigations.

Mrs Smith's daughter-in-law, Mrs Teena Smith, of Whalley Road, Accrington, said: "We visited her last night in hospital and we were able to talk to her.

"She was keeping her spirits up. "She is to have her leg pinned and hand wired when she has surgery today."

Mrs Smith is in Blackburn Royal Infirmary, where her condition was today "fair".

She attends Cannon Street Baptist Church and has been involved in the Women's Institute and Girls' Brigade.

Her 82-year-old husband, Alan, died suddenly at the beginning of the month.

Mrs Smith has four children, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The driver of the Fiat Uno, Jonathan Heap, 25, of Wensley Drive, Accrington, was not injured.

Anyone who witnessed the accident can contact Accrington police on 01254 382141.

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