A MAN believed to have been thrown out of his car by the impact of a head-on smash has been released from hospital.

The 25-year-old, from Accrington, was rushed to Royal Blackburn Hospital suffering from lacerations and a head injury after his red Volkswagen Golf collided with a silver Peugeot 207.

Police believe the man may have been thrown through the passenger window of his car as it spun round from the force of the impact.

The collision happened at noon on Sunday, in Whalley Road, close to the Portfield Bar traffic lights on the Read, Great Harwood and Whalley border.

A 64-year-old man was treated in hospital for cracked ribs. A woman, 64, was treated for bruising.

Police are finding out whether the man was trying to overtake on a straight stretch of road when he collided with the Peugeot.

Sgt Mick Young said: "The male driver was found outside his vehicle. He is very lucky that he was not injured more seriously."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the road policing unit on 01254 51212.