POLICE are trying to trace an elderly driver who hit a pedestrian in Westhoughton and drove off without leaving his details.

The driver, who was in his 70s, did stop at the scene of the accident in Bolton Road, but thought he was free to go.

Traffic officers have made an appeal for him to come forward so they can speak to him about the collision.

A 49-year-old man was crossing the road at the lights near to the junction of Market Street when he was knocked down yesterday at 3.15pm. He suffered cuts to his head which needed stitches and was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital.

The driver was in his 70s, used a walking stick, wore glasses and was in a large blue car, possibly a BMW five or seven series.

PC David Dale, of Bolton Traffic Unit, said: "I don't believe the man intentionally left the scene. I think he thought it was all right for him to go and left before the police arrived. I would ask him to contact us as soon as possible." If you are the driver or you recognise the description, call the traffic unit on 0161 856 5972.