QUICK-thinking teachers had to pull young children out of the path of a dangerous driver who was attempting to escape from police, a court heard.

Bolton magistrates heard how 40 five-year-old pupils, dressed in high visibility jackets, were crossing Albert Road, Farnworth on Tuesday morning, minded by their teachers.

Some of the group were making their way to the central reservation when 23-year-old Daanyaal Khan hurtled towards them in a black Vauxhall Insignia at speeds of around 70mph.

Joanne Cronshaw, prosecuting, said no one was injured but the staff had been “shocked” by the incident. “They had to pull a number of children back to safety,” she said.

The pursuit only came to an end when Khan turned into a side road and found his way blocked by a road sweeper. He was arrested as he attempted to flee on foot.

In court, Khan pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and having no licence or insurance.

Miss Cronshaw told magistrates how police had first spotted the Insignia in Farnworth at 11.15am and followed it for a short time before turning on their blue lights to tell the driver to stop.

“He immediately accelerated down a number of side streets, “ said Miss Cronshaw.

The court heard that Khan mounted pavements as he sped round corners and drove through red lights.

“He drove on the wrong side of the road for a significant length of time,” said Miss Cronshaw.

“It was a clear and deliberate disregard for the safety of others,” she added.

“Children were put in significant danger.”

Magistrates were told that Khan, of Telford Street, Horwich, has a previous conviction for driving offences and the dangerous driving was committed just eight days after he was released on police bail while officers investigated further suspected motoring crimes.

Stephen Teasdale, defending, said concrete worker Khan had not set out to drive dangerously.

He told how Khan had been at a party with a friend, who had hired the Insignia. The friend had left the car and asked Khan to deliver it to him that morning.

“He was en route when there was a random interest in the vehicle by police.

“He simply panicked and made off,” said Mr Teasdale.

Magistrates remanded Khan into custody and committed the case to Bolton Crown Court for sentence on March 15.