A WOMAN suffered minor injuries after a van driver hit her on a pedestrian crossing.

The 21-year old was hit by a white transit-style van outside the Civic Theatre, in Parkgate, Darlington.

Police have launched a witness appeal in an attempt to track down the driver.

The incident happened at 4.30pm, on Friday, February 16.

PC Graeme Hopkirk, of Darlington police, said: "The lady was making her way over the pedestrian crossing with a bicycle when a white transit van went straight through the crossing and hit her. She was thrown four feet into the air and about 20 feet across the ground.

"She was taken to hospital and the white van immediately drove away from the scene.

"She is one of the luckiest ladies I have ever come across. I have seen far more serious injuries from far less serious accidents.

"The van is quite distinctive because the entire front windscreen was totally smashed.

"We would like to hear from anyone who has any information about this incident."

Anyone who can help is asked to call police on 0845-60-60-365, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.