KEEN runner Phillippa Hill was on crutches this week after being knocked down by a car on her way to school.

The accident was the second piece of bad luck for the Hill family, whose home in Bromyard was recently gutted by fire.

Phillippa, 14, who has run at school and county level, is desperate for the torn ligaments in her leg to mend so she can get her running shoes back on.

She was injured last Thursday (September 29), when she was struck by a car as she walked along Rowden Road, Bromyard, on her way to catch the school bus.

The road is a narrow country lane with no footpath and although Phillippa stepped on to the grass verge when she heard the car, it hit her from behind.

With the wing mirror caught in her clothing, she was dragged along until her mother Carol, who was with her, pulled her free.

"She was really shaken up and in shock," said her father Keith.

"The ambulance took her to Hereford County Hospital and at first they were worried the accident might have damaged her kidneys as well as her leg.

"We really hope the injury won't affect her running."

Mr Hill said that his wife and daughter could have been very seriously injured if they had been walking on the road instead of the grass.

He is concerned that some drivers using Rowden Road are not careful enough or aware of the fact that the road is also used by pedestrians.

Herefordshire police spokesman Neil Tipton confirmed that officers had been called to the accident.

"We have spoken to the driver of the vehicle involved but are not taking the matter any further," he said.

"We would urge drivers using narrow country lanes to drive carefully and cautiously. There are homes along many of these roads and often pedestrians."