SIXTH formers returning home from an outdoor pursuits day were lucky to escape with their lives when their college minibus overturned on a Blackrod country lane.

Eleven of the 14 teenagers on board and the 43-year-old driver were treated in hospital after the accident yesterday afternoon.

They scrambled out of the wreckage, some helped by nearby residents and firemen.

It is believed the driver lost control of the minibus which careered into a hedge in Little Scotland. Paramedics and firefighters from Horwich Fire Station gave first aid at the scene and 11 of the teenagers and driver were taken to hospitals in Bolton and Wigan in five ambulances. Most of the injured suffered from cuts, bruises and shock.

The youngsters, all 16-year-olds from the Hughbaird sixth form college in Bootle, Merseyside, were returning home at 2.30pm after an outdoor activities day. Four pupils suffered minor head injuries and one 16-year-old boy was taken to hospital on a stretcher as a precaution because he was initially thought to have a spinal injury. The driver and all the teenagers were allowed home after treatment.

Rescuers say they were only saved from more serious injury because they were wearing seat belts and the crash was cushioned by the vehicle hitting the hedge before bouncing back into the road and ending up on its side.

The blue minibus, a Peugeot Boxer, was heading along Little Scotland from Blackrod towards Haigh. Nearby resident Jake Mather, aged 25, said: "The children looked very distraught and it was quite frightening to see the minibus on its side.

Brian Wiggans, Horwich fire station commander, said: "They were very lucky.

"If it hadn't been for the hedge and that they were wearing seat belts it could have been a lot more serious."

The cause of the crash is still being investigated by traffic police. Any witnesses are asked to contact the traffic unit on 0161 856 7073.