AN elderly woman is fighting for her life after she was involved in an accident with a bus in a busy high street.

The woman, believed to be in her early-80s, was taken to hospital following the incident, which took place in Stockton High Street just before 10.30am yesterday .

The accident, involving an Arriva single-deck bus, happened at a pelican crossing at the south end of the High Street, in front of the Swallow Hotel.

Market stallholder Jean Wright said she was walking past the spot when the accident occurred.

She said: "She was not moving at all and she looked in a pretty bad way. There was quite a commotion and a lot of people gathered to see if they could help."

The woman was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees, where her condition last night was described as critical.

Police said several witnesses came forward and gave their names to officers at the scene, but they wanted anyone else who saw the incident to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Mike Robson, of Stockton's accident investigation unit, on (01642) 301558.