Grateful dad Stuart Jefferies has thanked the people who helped him and his teenage daughter after a motorbike accident on Saturday as he prepared to take part in the Wootton Bassett ride the next day.

Mr Jefferies and his daughter Eloise, of Colerne, were riding to Chippenham on Saturday afternoon when a car coming up behind failed to stop at the Allington junction.

The 37-year-old, of Martins Croft, said: “We were supposed to be going on the Afghan Heroes ride on Sunday, so we were going to town to refuel and get some cash out and things.

“We stopped behind a car that was turning right into Allington, but the car behind us didn’t stop and went straight into us.

“I think if anyone saw photos of the bike they would think we were lucky to get away more or less unharmed.”

Eloise, 14, was thrown several metres off the Suzuki, while her dad was trapped beneath the bike.

Both were taken to Bath’s Royal United Hospital, where it was discovered Eloise had broken her wrist in two places.

“There were a number of people who came to our assistance but I do not know who they were,” Mr Jefferies said.

“I was trapped under my bike and two men helped me get up so I could get to my daughter.

“She was in a lot of pain at the time, and I am quite sore now, but luckily I am just badly bruised and can still walk around.”

Mr Jefferies now wants to thank everyone he did not manage to speak to after the accident, which happened at around 4pm.

“A lot of people helped us when they saw what had happened,” he said. “There were people on the junction, from cars behind, and ladies from the car in front.

“I don’t know who these people were because I was trying to help my daughter, then we were in the police car and then the ambulance on the way to hospital.

“It all happened really quickly and I managed to thank some of them, but not everyone.”

Mr Jefferies’ said he will need a break from biking after the accident, and will not be able to use his Suzuki, which was badly damaged.

He said: “Eloise said she would get straight back on because the accident was not my fault.

“I think I need a bit more time to get back on the bike though - it has shaken me.”