'My top of the range Specialized helmet was split in the windscreen pillar of the car, without it that it would have been my head, and almost certainly fatal.'

Those are the words of experienced cyclist Dave Anderton who is asking drivers to be vigilant and cyclists to ensure they wear helmets after his saved his life when he was involved in an accident.

It follows a letter published in the Gazette from Janet Stanley of Frogmore, near Kingsbridge, who wrote about her concerns over speeding and recalling an accident outside the village's Globe Inn.

After reading her letter, the cyclist involved, Mr Anderton, contacted the Gazette to thank Janet for her thoughts and to share his own concerns.

Recalling the day of the incident, the 29-year-old said: 'I went out on Monday, July 9, for a 60km training ride after work.

'Freakishly, I told my girlfriend my route as we'd had so much rain. I was concerned about potholes and told her if I wasn't back by a certain time to come and look for me. I left home in South Milton and cycled out towards the Slapton Line.

'As I was coming down the hill into Frogmore, there was a car virtually stationary on the other side of the road, coming up the hill. I saw him and thought nothing of it. He then turned into the Globe Inn and straight into my path.

'The bike hit the bonnet and I went head first into the driver's side windscreen pillar.

'My back was cut on the shattered windscreen and I hit the wall before hitting the ground. I had lost consciousness by this point, I believe.

'A few cars behind, a friend of mine, who happened to be a paramedic, came to my aid and he is the first thing I remember. He tells me I was rambling, repeating myself and complaining that I could not feel my fingers.

'I was eventually strapped into an ambulance, only then to be taken back out and moved to an RAF Sea King helicopter and they flew me to somewhere close to Derriford Hospital.

'Then it was a short ambulance trip to Derriford where I undertook many CT scans and X-rays until they decided I had not broken anything or damaged my neck or back and took the brace off my neck.

'I was then given 12 stitches to the lacerations to my back, after they had pulled out as much glass as they could. They kept me in overnight to check for any internal bleeding and I was released late the following morning and went home.'

He said: 'The car that hit me actually pulled across in front of me after not seeing me, so they weren't speeding but it's still an important issue I agree.

'Even though I'm an experienced road cyclist and spend many hours on the surrounding roads, this was out of my hands and could happen to anyone. I strongly urge all cyclists to be sure to wear helmets.'

He is also urging drivers to be more vigilant of cyclists on the roads as more and more people show an interest in the sport and pedal power their way around the South Hams. Mr Anderton thanked the emergency services for their help.