A PENSIONER believes his flat cap saved him from serious injury when he was hit by flying debris in a Bolton street.

Keith Atherton, aged 63, says his cap absorbed the impact when he was hit on the head by roofing blown off a bus shelter.

Mr Atherton was walking in Great Moor Street when a large piece of plastic roofing came away from the shelter and struck him.

He was knocked to the ground and people waiting at the bus stop rushed to his assistance.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Mr Atherton, who comes from Ashton-in-Makerfield, was left dazed and confused and suffering from shock.

He said: "After it hit me, I was shaking from head to toe. Even now, I get quite severe neck pains."

Mr Atherton is convinced his cap may have saved him from a more serious injury. He said: "The roof had sharp points that could have gone into my skull. Doctors told me I was very lucky."

The accident happened as Mr Atherton was shopping in the town centre.

He is determined to not let the matter drop and is planning to make a complaint.

He said: "If it happened to me, it could happen again. These bus shelters need to be checked regularly to ensure that they are properly secure."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive said the incident will be investigated.

In February, councillors suggested making the town's future bus shelters out of metal after a spate of vandalism.