A HIT-and-run driver ploughed into a blind man and a cerebral palsy sufferer as they returned home from a night out.

Gavin Atkins and his friend, Philip Stokes, had been to Darlington Arts Centre before walking home to nearby Orchard Road on Wednesday night.

As the pair were crossing Hollyhurst Road, near the town's memorial hospital, they were struck by a red Ford Fiesta XR2.

The driver failed to stop, and the car was later found abandoned 400 yards down the road.

Last night, Mr Atkins, 48, who is blind, said: "I was thrown up in the air. Philip was crying in pain. I heard voices, so I shouted and people came over to help."

The pair were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital and Mr Atkins needed four stitches for a head injury and treatment for a broken hand.

Mr Stokes, 39, secretary of St Matthews and St Lukes Church in Brinkburn Road, is still in hospital being treated for a broken leg.

Yesterday, police were appealing for witnesses or anyone who knows anything about the incident, which happened at about 10.40pm, to contact them.

Inspector Dave Hammond said: "The driver could have been under absolutely no illusion that he had been involved in an accident because his windscreen shattered."

Mr Atkins, a piano tuner, said: "We want this person caught. It is inhumane what the driver did."

Anyone who can help should call Darlington Police on (01325) 361351.