A VISITOR to Ledbury says cyclists should take more care after an elderly friend was injured by a rider on the pavement.

Paddy Griffiths, of Ross-on-Wye, was in the town with her 92-year-old friend Evelyn Fowler, of Staunton, when the incident happened.

"We were on the pavement by the fruit and veg shop and there was a boy of about 10 on a bike," she said. "He was not riding it but was twiddling the front wheel from side to side and he hit Evelyn on the leg. There was no bleeding but it came up in a huge mauve bruise."

The wound refused to heal properly and now, six weeks on, Mrs Fowler faces an operation which is likely to involve a skin graft. Mrs Griffiths said: "I've seen it before in Ledbury, people cycling on the pavement and it does seem unnecessary."

Sgt Tony Wilson, of Ledbury police, said cycling on the pavement was an offence which attracts a £30 fixed penalty.