A MAN is fighting for his life in hospital after he was hit by a car outside a pub.

Jamie Banks, of Hampden Avenue, Darwen, suffered serious head and leg injuries after he was struck by a Vauxhall Vectra as he crossed Bolton Road in the town.

His family said they had been boosted by the hundreds of messages of support for Jamie since the accident.

The popular 23-year-old, who has represented England at fly fishing, was outside the Spinners Pub, near to the junction with Huntington Drive, when the incident happened at 10.35pm on Friday.

He is being treated in a specialist head injuries unit in Royal Preston Hospital where he has undergone three hours of surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain.

The construction worker also requires surgery on his leg, which is broken in two places.

Mr Banks’ parents, Tony and Heather and sister Natalie, have been keeping a vigil at his bedside since the accident.

He remains unconscious and in a critical condition but has been removed from a ventilator and is breathing by himself.

Mr Banks, a former Moorlands High School pupil, who is widely known as Jammers, is described by his family as a ‘cheeky chappy’ who ‘has a smile for everyone’.

He is also a keen pigeon fancier, racing his birds at events around the region.

His sister Natalie said they had been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement Jamie had been given, having received hundreds of messages from his friends in the town and from as far away as Australia and Germany.

Natalie, 26, said: “He was squeezing our hand yesterday when we spoke so he can obviously hear us.

“He’s such a brave and strong lad who is a real fighter.

“Please dig deep Jammers. And keep the prayers coming for my little brother.

“My mum and dad and all the family want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the messages and prayers.

“We’re sorry we haven't had time to get back to everyone personally but Jamie truly has the best friends anyone could wish for.

“We’re convinced those encouraging him are boosting him and giving him strength.”

Last year he was an usher at Natalie and her husband Rob’s wedding. And he became an uncle for the first time last month when Natalie gave birth to Alfie.

“He is brilliant with him, seeing them together made me so happy. We just want Jamie back to give Alfie a cuddle,” said Natalie.

Natalie also thanked those who helped her brother on Friday evening.

“There were two nurses in The Spinners who helped him before the ambulance arrived,” she said.

“We’re so thankful to them, the paramedics and all the medical teams at the hospital.”

Among the dozens of messages on Mr Banks’ Facebook page, is one from friend Laura Bacon which summed up the support.

It said: “The praying continues, keep on fighting Jamie, we all need you back winding us all up.”

As a result of the incident Bolton Road was closed for three and a half hours on Friday to allow for an investigation to take place.

Sergeant Dave Hogarth said: “An investigation is underway and I would appeal to anybody that witnessed this collision to come forward and contact police.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information about the incident should contact police on 101.