A ROAD victim left for dead by a hit-and-run motorist believes he is so lucky to be alive.

Andrew Moss spoke of his nightmare as he recovered in hospital in Bolton from a fractured skull and internal bruising.

The 22-year-old condemned the driver who hit him and sped away from the scene.

"I'm angry with the driver and can't understand how he just left me lying helpless in the road," said Mr Moss, of Normanby Street, Morris Green. "I would appeal to him to examine his conscience and turn himself over to police."

Mr Moss was hit by a dark-coloured, medium-sized saloon at around 12.15am last Friday as he crossed St Helens Road, Daubhill, to wait for a friend who had gone for a taxi.

He had spent a night out at the Morris Dancers pub in Morris Green Lane.

Witnesses say the driver stopped for a short time before speeding off in the direction of Bolton town centre.

The car had a damaged front bumper and a cracked windscreen following the collision with Mr Moss.

His family, including mother Barbara and father John, have been keeping a daily vigil at his bedside in the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Mr Moss, a former pupil of Mount St Joseph's School, also has difficulty hearing following the accident and is due to see a specialist to see if there has been any damage to his ears.

Friends have been visiting him, including colleagues from Greater Manchester Waste depot in Higher Swan Lane, Daubhill, where he works in the accounts department.

"The reality has only just started to hit me and it's taken a while to sink in," said Mr Moss. "The best way to approach things is to just take things day by day."

His mother Barbara said: "When he regained consciousness after the accident, he didn't have a clue where he was. Thankfully, it appears that he's on the mend."

Police have been conducting door-to-door inquiries in Daubhill and have interviewed witnesses.

Officers are also appealing for more witnesses to come forward to help their hunt for the driver and they are asking businesses in the area to supply any CCTV footage that could help them.

Anyone with information should call Sgt Stephen Foster, of the Road Policing Unit, on 0161 856 7273, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.