A woman pedestrian suffered life- threatening injuries when she was hit by a car near Cheddar.

Vinnie Pearce was taken to Frenchay Hospital after the accident on the A371 Wells road at Rodney Stoke, near Cheddar, at 3.30am on Saturday.

Her husband, Michael, was also injured, and taken to a hospital, although he was understood to be less seriously hurt. A young woman who was walking with them is understood to have escaped injury.

Avon and Somerset police said the vehicle involved failed to stop and are appealing for witnesses.

A police spokesman said: "Both victims were taken to hospital and a woman in her 40s has life threatening injuries. A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop at the scene and failing a breath test."

The Rev Sue Rose, priest in charge of Rodney Stoke parish, led prayers for Mr and Mrs Pearce, and for the driver of the car, at the parish church of St Leonard in the village yesterday.

She said: "The whole village is totally shocked. Our hearts and thoughts are with them all."

Police can be contacted on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.