A FORMER Ledbury mayor had a lucky escape after writing off his car when it slid on black ice.

Terry Widdows, who represents the market town on Herefordshire Council, smashed his motor into a telegraph pole on the A417 at Parkway at about 6.30am on Saturday.

Luckily he walked away from the scene with just bruised ribs and a painful neck and shoulder, and is urging fellow drivers to take care on the roads this winter.

“I was on my way to work in Worcester when I hit the ice and left the road,” said the It’s Our County member who was elected onto Herefordshire Council having won a by-election in July.

“Thankfully, there were no other vehicles involved and at least I was able to walk away from it and tell the tale.

“But I would urge people to be alert to the possibility of black ice, particularly early in the morning.”