A FORMER lorry driver is counting himself lucky to be alive following a brutal late-night attack.

Mark Perry was struck over the head with what he believes was a machete during a late-night disturbance at Rino's Pizza House in Union Road, Oswaldtwistle.

The 28-year-old, of Havelock Street, Oswald-twistle, was rushed to Blackburn Royal Infirmary following the assault and received six stitches to his wound.

However, after being discharged from BRI, he started to suffer from headaches, blurred vision and dizziness and decided to go back to hospital.

He has undergone a CT scan and doctors have now told him that he does not appear to have suffered any permanent brain damage.

He said: "We had been to a 21st party and decided to call in the takeaway for something to eat. This girl who was in the place started losing it with my girlfriend.

"As I was trying to pull her away, someone came from the back of the place and hit me over the head with something with a long handle on it and a piece of metal on the end.''

He added: "It's not as if I am capable of causing any bother because I did my back in in an accident in a lorry several years ago.''

Mr Perry's girlfriend, Tracy Ashby, 30, of Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, said: "It was really terrifying and there was blood all over the place. We just want the person who did this caught before it happens to someone else and they end up being killed.''

Police were continuing their inquiries into the incident yesterday, when Mr Perry and his girlfriend were due to see officers to give their statements about what happened.

The incident occurred at 1.50am last Saturday.