POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a hit-and-run accident, which left a 60-year-old Cleveland grandfather badly injured.

The victim suffered a broken leg and wrist, as well as injuries to his head and face, after he was struck while walking his dog on the Liverton to Moorsholm road, in east Cleveland, just 50 yards from the end of Liverton High Street.

The vehicle involved in the smash failed to stop, and the man was found at the side of the road by a passing JCB driver.

He was taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital, where he under went an operation, and his condition is now described as not being life-threatening.

The accident on Monday happened just days before a meeting in the village, to discuss possible speed restrictions.

Councillor Christine Swales, who represents Liverton and Liverton Mines on Loftus Town Council, is concerned about speeding motorists and the number of accidents, and is trying to secure funding through Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for devices such as speed humps.

However, to get the funding, residents must be shown to be putting forward their own proposals, and gathering support from neighbours.

Coun Swales said: "The amount of traffic we have had through the village, with Loftus Bank being closed, it is just lucky this didn't happen sooner. It emphasises how fast people do drive through the village."

In May last year, Mrs Swales' son, Shaun, was jailed for six years for killing a Liverton Mines pensioner while drink-driving. Mrs Swales says she has always been concerned about road safety, and is determined to do her utmost to help the community.

"Hopefully we can get more people to the meeting and get the money to get the job done," she said.

Monday's accident happened at around 4pm and anyone with information is asked to call (01642) 301558.

The meeting takes place at 7pm, on Thursday, in the community centre at Liverton Mines