A CYCLIST from Horwich was left with broken ribs and cuts all over her head and body — after she fell off her bike while doing a naked bike ride.

Linda Jennings, aged 47, crashed into her partner, Rich Philips, during the ride in Manchester in June.

The couple were returning from taking part in the annual event — aimed at raising awareness of carbon emissions and cycling — when their bikes hit each other at 8.15pm, causing Ms Jennings to fly over the handle bars and hit the ground.

Now the pair have thanked firefighters who came to their aid after the crash.

Stretford blue watch firefighters Kevin Williams and Jim Hutchin were riding an aerial appliance and were returning to Stretford Fire Station from an incident when they spotted the couple.

Mr Hutchin said: “We saw a bit of a commotion and as we got closer we could see Linda on the floor and I said to Kev ‘we’re going to have to stop’.

“Because we were on the aerial appliance we didn’t have all the kit we have on a fire engine but we had a first-aid kit and there was a first aider already on scene so between us we were able to look after her.”

The firefighters gave first-aid and kept Ms Jennings warm with a blanket while also providing care to her partner Mr Philips.

Trafford Borough manager Tony Holt presented certificates and a cake to the firefighters.

Mr Philips, aged 49, said: “I want to thank Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service for making it possible for us to meet the firefighters who helped us and to thank them officially.

“The hospitality we have received from the service as a whole since the accident has been overwhelming.

“When the accident happened we were in shock, injured and vulnerable.

"The calm assurance of the firefighters filtered through all the noise and panic and helped us to cope with what was a scary situation.

“Without the actions of Kevin and Jim I just don’t know where we would be now.”