AN 81-year-old woman last night suffered a fractured skull and broken left leg in a road accident in Farnworth, in which an elderly companion was also injured.

Catherine Topham, of Millbrook House, Lime Street, Farnworth, was today in a serious but stable condition in the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Joby Brown, 82, of Toppholme Court, Blackhorse Street, Farnworth suffered minor head injuries and was allowed home after treatment in hospital.

They were involved in an accident with a Nissan car on Market Street. The driver Darren Mulrooney, aged 33, of Ashton Street, Bolton, was uninjured.

Traffic police are appealing for witnesses to the accident -- which happened at about 9.25pm near the junction with Church Road --to call them on 0161 856 5972.