A MAN was today fighting for his life after his car collided with a 13 tonne cattle wagon on a country road.

David Hughes, 36, of Almer Place, Clitheroe, was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital after the accident at 2.30pm on Saturday.

Police said his red 306 Peugeot 306 saloon collided with the livestock lorry in Green Lane, Chaigley, between the Craven Heifer Hotel and the Gibbon Bridge Hotel.

He suffered multiple head injuries and had to be cut free from his car by firefighters from Accrington.

Wagon driver John Marginson, 37, of Chipping, and his passenger escaped unhurt.

Today Mr Hughes was described as "poorly" in the hospital's intensive care unit.

A police investigation has been launched to establish the cause of the collision.

Inspector Steve Haworth said: "The man collided head-on with the unloaded wagon which was travelling west bound.

"He suffered serious injuries and was air lifted to hospital. The road was closed and remained closed until 4pm. Accident investigators were on scene to establish the speed the vehicles were travelling and what might have happened.

"At this time there appears to be no reason that we can put our finger on as to why the collision has happened. The heavy goods vehicle appears to have taken avoiding action to miss the Peugeot but they have still collided."

Philip Holland, manager of the Gibbon Bridge Hotel had to re-direct wedding guests because of the accident and the road closure.

He said: "We heard all the emergency services and the air ambulance. Everyone is just concerned for his well-being, especially knowing that it is a local."

Anyone with more information should call Inspector Paul Spooner on 01254 353764