A DRIVER had a narrow escape when his car collided with a tipper truck which was trying to do a U turn - on the A556.

The crash happened as both vehicles drove towards Chester at around 4pm on Monday. As they neared The Smoker pub at Plumley, the truck pulled out of the inside lane in front of the man's red Mazda 626.

The two collided, and the Mazda careered off the road and landed in a hedge.

Ambulance officer John Hitchings said the Mazda driver, who has not been named, was lucky to escape with only slight pains to his neck and back.

"It's top marks for airbags, really," said Mr Hitchings.

"The man's Mazda was fitted with one, and although it caused him his only significant injury - a split lip - if it wasn't there, the result could have been very serious indeed."

The driver of the truck also escaped unharmed.

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