A BEDSIDE vigil is being held by the parents of a teenage boy who was hit by a car as he tried to cross a motorway in darkness.

Sean Green, aged 17, was struck by the Fiat Punto as he crossed the M61 near Westhoughton early on Sunday morning.

The trainee mechanic, of Whitsundale, Westhoughton, is in a critical condition at a head injuries unit in Salford's Hope Hospital.

His parents, Sheila and Michael, have been at his bedside since Sunday afternoon, when they heard that he had been involved in an accident.

They had reported Sean missing that morning when he failed to come home.

His family have appealed for information about the accident, and want friends who may have been with him around the time to come forward.

Sean's uncle, Chris Green, said: "His whole family is very worried about him.

"Michael and Sheila don't know how he came to be on the motorway and want any of his friends who might have been with him to come forward.

"It's a very difficult time for the family and we're just hoping that he gets better."

Shaun left St Joseph's RC High School in Horwich last September and started working as an apprentice at Torquegear on Dodd Lane, Wingates.

He lives with his parents and two brothers, Martin, aged 15 and 18-year-old Stuart.

The 39-year-old driver of the vehicle was not injured.

Anyone with any information is asked to call traffic police on 0161 856 8361.