A RETIRED Bolton couple were lucky to escape with their lives when their car plunged down a ravine on the Greek holiday isle of Corfu.

Dennis Rowbottom, aged 67, and his 63-year-old wife, Joan, had to be cut free from the wreckage of the car after it swerved off a moorland road.

Mr Rowbottom is believed to have lost control of the car seconds before it rolled 50ft down the ravine and ended on its roof.

Remarkably, former plumber Mr Rowbottom and his wife, who now live in the Corfu resort of Sidari, escaped with just minor cuts and bruises.

They were today recovering in hospital in the island's capital Corfu Town.

The accident happened at the weekend as the couple were visiting friends near the resort of Paleocastritsa. No other vehicle is thought to have been involved.

The couple, who have no children, lived in Highfield Road, Farnworth, before emigrating two years ago to start a new life in Corfu. They fell in love with the island after spending their holidays there.

Friends of the couple in Bolton were informed about the accident yesterday.

A former neighbour said: "Dennis and Joan could have been killed. It's sad something like this has happened at a time in their lives when they felt they had everything organised the way they wanted it.

"Thankfully their injuries are not as serious as the police and Greek ambulance people first feared. They should soon recover and with a but of luck will be back home in Bolton at Christmas to celebrate the festive season with their friends and family."