A HIT-AND-RUN driver knocked down a a man walking his dog which needed surgery after the incident.

Cleveland Police are hunting the driver of a small, dark-green vehicle which failed to stop after hitting George Hardy and Tosca, the cocker spaniel.

During their daily walk with the family's three other dogs, Mr Hardy, 52, heard a car approaching and moved to a grass verge to let it pass.

To his astonishment, the car swerved and hit Mr Hardy, knocking him to the floor.

But Tosca took the full impact, and suffered a fracture to its rear left leg.

The animal was rushed to the vets and needed an operation to pin the femur, close to the hip joint, leaving Mr Hardy, who is recovering at home in Stillington, near Stockton, with a bill for £385.

A police spokesman said the accident, which happened at 5.10pm on Tuesday, damaged the car, which failed to stop.

"The driver left the scene without exchanging details, and officers believe that the driver may well have been dazzled by the sun," he said.

"Part of the vehicle was damaged during impact, and officers are hoping to use it to match the vehicle, which is small, dark and green."

Mr Hardy, who suffered bruising and shock, said: "I heard the car coming and moved to the grass verge.

"The next thing I knew, the car was on the verge and hit me. I went down, and then realised Tosca had been hit.

"He must have taken the brunt of it.

"When I got to my feet, I looked up the road and noticed the car pulled over, but he pulled off again. He must have thought I was okay.

"I was in complete shock - it came from nowhere and aimed straight for me and the dogs."

Mr Hardy's wife, Michelle, 45, said Tosca returned from the vets yesterday.

"He has to keep still and we have to keep him rested for a while. We were told the operation was really tricky, because the break was towards the top of his leg."

Any witnesses are asked to call PC Eric Young on (01642) 302226.