A COUPLE had an amazing escape after their car smashed through a motorway crash barrier and plunged down an embankment into a tree.

The Mondeo car skidded to a stop in a field 20 yards from St Peter's Way, on the outskirts of Bolton.

Although the car was badly damaged the driver, 31-year-old John Lloyd, and passenger, 23-year-old Julie Ridyard, escaped with only minor cuts and bruises.

Mr Lloyd, of Armadale Road, Ladybridge, and Miss Ridyard, of Stoneclough Road, Kearsley, were taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Both later went home after treatment. Today, nursing a slight head wound at home, father-of-two Mr Lloyd said: "I haven't got a clue how we both survived."

The accident happened on Saturday as the local government worker was driving Miss Ridyard home after a meeting.

He said: "I must have had a puncture or something. The car just swerved out of control. We went off the motorway and before I managed to stop it we slid into the tree in the field."

Mr Lloyd added: "As far as accidents go it was a spectacular one but thankfully we both survived to tell the tale."

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