A FORMER Mayor of Evesham has been airlifted to hospital following a crash on the A46 near the town.

Coun John Payne who is also a former chairman of Wychavon District Council, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car by firefighters.

His injuries are non life-threatening.

The Nissan Micra he was driving was in collision with a silver Saab convertible at around 1pm on Wednesday. The driver of the other car was also taken to Cheltenham General Hospital, but by land ambulance.

Coun Payne, who is well known for his work with swan rescue, is fighting both district and town council seats for the Liberal Democrats in next week's elections.

Town clerk Frank Green said he was shocked by the news.

He said: "A number of councillors have been in touch since hearing the news and everyone is sending their best wishes to John for a speedy recovery."

Coun Payne, featured in the Worcester News last month, on a road safety issue.

We reported he was preparing a report on the state of the road which his colleagues blamed for the death of two brothers.

John and Joe Silwinski died when their car hit a tree on the Worcester Road in the early hours of Sunday, February 18.

Coun Payne said the road was unlit at the spot and described it like going into "a black tunnell".

He was preparing a report to send to Mid-Worcestershire MP Luff.

The road was blocked for around an hour with one carriageway re-opening at 2pm.

Police are appealing for witnesses to call 08457 444888 quoting reference 265s/240407.