THE driver of a community minibus says he is lucky to be alive following a serious crash in Clehonger.

Tony Capon was in the Dore Community Transport bus when it was in collision with a car on Gosmore Road last week.

The 69-year-old suffered head and leg injuries and was airlifted to Bristol’s Frenchay Hospital for further treatment.

Mr Capon said: “I’m still alive and kicking, but I am very lucky that nothing was broken or that I was even killed.

“I’ve had 50 stitches in total to a head and leg wound and I don’t know how much blood I lost.

“I remember looking through the side door, but that is all I remember about the accident.”

Mr Capon, who has been a volunteer driver for Dore Community Transport for 10 years, added that he was allowed home the following day.

Three passengers, all women, were on board Mr Capon’s bus, and were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

One of the casualties sustained neck and back injuries and was immobilised as a precaution, before all of them were taken to Hereford County Hospital for further treatment.

The occupants of the car, a man and a woman believed to be in their 70s, were also treated for minor injuries before being taken to the same hospital.

Chris Tomlinson, volunteer fleet manager for Dore Community Transport, thanked the emergency services and hospital staff, as well as the members of the public who helped at the scene following the crash.

He added that the minibus involved is likely to be written off.