A WOMAN was today fighting for her life after suffering serious head injuries in a moped accident on a Greek island.

Kelly Ainsworth, 24, of Cleveleys Road, Blackburn, came off the bike while on holiday in the Crete resort of Malia.

Relatives from Blackburn have flown out to be by her bedside. Her condition was today described as critical.

She is in the intensive care unit of the local hospital and underwent a series of operations to try and stabilise her condition over the weekend.

A spokesman for Thomas Cook, the holiday company Kelly travelled with, said today: "We are supporting her family at this time.

"Arrangements were made for them to travel out to be with her and we will offer any assistance we can at this time."

A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed Kelly was seriously injured in the accident on Thursday.

He said: "Our consulate staff in Greece are on standby to provide any support needed.

"This will include travel, helping with language barriers and making sure the family know what is going on."

Malia has become a top holiday destinations for young people in recent years. But safety experts have expressed concern about travellers using scooters and mopeds, often available for just a couple of pounds a day while on holiday in Greece.

They have also highlighted the dangerous island roads, poor insurance cover and the lack of legislation forcing hire companies to provide safety helmets.