A MOTORCYCLIST escaped serious injury when he collided with a road sign at Llanfoist.

The sign (pictured) shows the body print left on it when the rider was thrown from his Triumph machine last Thursday afternoon.

The casualty, 37 and from Newport, suffered minor injuries in the accident which happened on the slip road to the Head of the Valleys road just above the Waitrose superstore.

The rider, who does not wish to be named, this week thanked all the emergency services who cared for him after the accident.

The man, who now refers to himself as "an ex-motorcyclist," was particularly grateful to a bearded GP who looked after him while police and paramedics rushed to the scene.

He said on Monday, "I would like to express my gratitude to the police and ambulance services who came to my rescue on Thursday of last week - just up from Waitrose on the slip road to the A465.

"My memory of the accident is all a blur, as is most of my time at the scene, but I do remember being in very capable hands.

"Thanks to the excellent paramedics, to the nurse who called my wife and especially to the GP doctor with a beard who I think looked after me until the emergency services arrived.

"I didn't catch anyone's name, but I want them all to know how extremely grateful I am."

He added, "Thanks also to the staff at Nevill Hall's casualty unit, particularly Dr Landolfi, Dr Rinky, Sister Jackie, nurse Jackie and the rest of the team. Thanks for looking after me."

An ambulance spokeswoman said the 999 call was received at 2.38pm. Two rapid response cars and an ambulance went to the incident.

Police said the casualty was taken to hospital merely as a precaution. A spokeswoman confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the accident.