A 68-YEAR-OLD Hereford woman has thanked the emergency services after she escaped from an horrific crash on the A49 near Lyde.

Joy Bethell had pulled into a lay-by at around 8.30am on Thursday, April 10, when a trailer towed by a 4x4 collided with her car and threw her into the back of the vehicle.

The Newton Farm resident had to be cut free from her vehicle before being taken to Hereford County Hospital where she was treated for a broken wrist, a damaged hand and severe bruising.

Mrs Bethell has still not overcome the shock of the accident and said she still did not know what had happened.

"I am afraid to close my eyes now because every time I do I stop and ask myself how I got away from there alive," she said.

"I just want to thank all those who helped me for doing such a good job. The ambulance staff were marvellous, the fire service were brilliant and the police were so kind. I cannot believe I am still standing."

Ironically, Mrs Bethell only pulled over because a lack of traffic on Belmont Road had meant that she had arrived for work in Moreton-on-Lugg extremely early.

"I was just reading the paper for a few minutes before work to kill time. Then all of a sudden I was stuck in the back of the car. I'm just grateful to all those who helped me and saved my life," she added.