Get well messages have been sent to Bromham villager Dennis Powney who was airlifted to hospital on Sunday evening after a cycling accident.

Mr Powney, 79, of High Street, came off his bike on a lane in Potterne Wick as he cycled to a church service in Urchfont.

He was flown by Wiltshire Air Ambulance to Great Western Hospital, Swindon, with face and neck injuries.

The Rev John Rees of St Nicholas Church, Bromham, went to visit him on Tuesday.

He said: “Typically of Dennis he was looking on the bright side. He was a bit bruised but in good spirits. He can’t really remember anything about the accident or why it happened. He is an amazing man who does so much for the village.”

Doctors are waiting for swelling on Mr Powney’s neck to go down before they decide on treatment.

Churchwarden Michael Armstrong said: “Dennis cycles or walks everywhere. It was not unusual for him to be cycling that sort of distance. He is in everyone’s prayers and we are all wishing him well.”

Bromham Parish Council chairman Pete Paget, who is Mr Powney’s cousin, said: “He loves cycling. His speciality is riding his bike backwards. Dennis is a real character who everyone loves.”

Mr Powney is a former parish councillor and Gazette village correspondent.