THREE people were taken to hospital after a crash in Smithills on Tuesday evening, with one man suffering serious injuries.

The collision between two cars at the junction of Coal Pit Lane and Colliers Row Road happened at around 6.30pm.

Three ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance service operational commander were sent to the scene and treated the patients before they were taken to hospital.

One man suffered serious injuries.

The extent of the injuries of the other two casualties are not known.

Police say no arrests were made and enquiries are ongoing.

Firefighters were also called to the scene to help the ambulance service treat the casualties.

Following the crash, it was discovered that a bench – known as ‘Tommy’s Bench’ – which is sat on daily by pensioner Tommy Halliday, was wrecked.

Smithills councillor Roger Hayes said a bench which was there years ago was ruined in a previous crash and a crowdfunding page was set up to buy a replacement with a plaque put in its place for Tommy.

Cllr Hayes said: “I have known Tommy for years.

“He walks up from Halliwell Road to Smithills Dean Road putting food in all the bird feeders on the way. Every day come wind, rain or shine he goes to the top and has a sit down and likes to view the scene over Bolton.

“When he is sat down he likes to wave at cars passing.”

A fresh crowdfunding page had already been set up in the last week by Wahid Khan to buy Tommy a Christmas present as a token of residents’ appreciation for his kindness towards them during the year.

And funds from the same appeal will be used to buy a new bench for him.

Wahid said: “Tommy is a Bolton legend, I cannot speak too highly of him.

“I do not think he knows how much Bolton appreciate him.”