A PENSIONER who was hit by a taxi was helped at the roadside by two young passengers travelling in the vehicle.

The 78-year-old woman was thought to have been walking home from a bingo evening when she was knocked down in Thicketford Road, Tonge Moor, at about 8.50pm on March 3.

The taxi's passengers, 15-year-old Libby Jeffery and her 20-year-old brother Mathew Falvin, who had been returning from Bolton Lads and Girls Club, immediately jumped out of the taxi to help.

Libby stayed with her until paramedics arrived while Mr Falvin sprinted around the corner to their parents' house to call for help.

The woman, who was named locally as Mildred Florence, was taken to hospital with a broken leg and fractured ribs.

Her condition is said to be improving slowly, but she is still in a critical condition.

Libby, who attends St Catherine's Academy, said: "I just had to stay with her.

"I put an umbrella up to stop her getting wet and told someone else to get blanket while I stayed with her.

"Me and Mathew were in the back and it was really scary. It was horrible."

Their mother Lisa Jeffery said: "My daughter is still a bit upset about it all.

"She just jumped straight out of the taxi and ran straight to this woman and stayed with her.

"She thought she was dead until she heard her breathing.

"When Mathew ran round and said there had been an accident and Libby was in the road I thought he meant my daughter. I just ran round as well."

The driver waited at the scene.

The elderly woman's condition was initially described as serious but stable and she is still in hospital.

Mrs Jeffery, aged 36, added: "They were going to get the bus but Mathew thought he would treat his little sister and get them a taxi.

"In the papers there is never a mention about the younger ones these days. I am very proud of them."

A neighbour said that the elderly victim walked with two sticks.

The road was closed while police investigated at the scene.

Police are still appealing for witnesses, who can call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.