A PENSIONER had to be cut free from his car following a three-way car crash in Pewsey on Saturday morning.

Police, ambulance and fire services, from Pewsey and Marlborough, rushed to Wilton Road at 9.30am after the collision between Land Rover Defender, a Smart Roadster and a Volkswagen Transporter.

A Marlborough man in his 70s, driving the Smart Roadster, was taken to Southmead Hospital with a serious head injury and remains in a critical but stable condition.

Pewsey man Andrew Martin, who is in his 60s and was driving the Land Rover, sustained arm and chest injuries and was taken to the Great Western Hospital and subsequently released - the driver of the VW Transporter was uninjured.

Chris Smith, station manager, said: "We had to cut one of the casualties from their vehicle as he was completely trapped, so we used the hydraulic rescue equipment. He was in a great deal of pain and was not in a condition to speak so we had to move very carefully to not aggravate his injuries further.

"We had to stabilise the car, then use the cutters and spreaders and create a space for the paramedics, who worked very well. He was then taken to hospital and everyone wishes him a speedy recovery.

"It was a big team effort. The emergency services co-ordinated very smoothly and efficiently, it ran like clock work. The paramedics and doctor saw to the two other people involved in the crash very well."

Family and friends of Mr Martin took to Facebook to thank the emergency services and wish the recovering driver well.

Ellsiemay Martin said on Saturday on the Pewsey Notice Board: " I would like to thank Pewsey Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Police Service, Richard Watson, Richard Sarsby and villagers for all their help on Saturday morning concerning the road traffic accident in Wilcot Road. Andy is now home."

His granddaughter Alanah Martin added: "I am very blessed that grandad is okay it made me get in a big panic xxxxxx sending love to u both."

Pewsey Parish Council clerk Alison Kent said: "It is very lucky that there were not any people around on this very narrow bit of road. If it was a few minutes later or earlier, children could have been there as they were at the nearby sports site.

"The emergency services did a terrific job too in what was a very difficult situation. We hope everyone makes a full recovery."