28/09/2006

'Top Gear' presenter moved from hospital

'Top Gear' presenter Richard Hammond, who suffered a brain injury in a car crash last week, has been moved from hospital in Leeds.

It is believed that the presenter is being transferred to another hospital closer to his home.

Hammond was photographed, surrounded by paramedics, hospital staff and two firemen, as he was taken to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to be transferred to the craft.

The 36-year-old star appeared to be smiling and laughing.

The presenter's neurologist, Stuart Ross, told reporters that Mr Hammond could be "back to his old self" within six months. Mr Ross said that he had suffered a "significant brain injury" and added: "He has to rest and allow his brain to recover and that takes time. I'm sure that once that period is over, he will be back to his old self."

Hammond was injured as he filmed a segment for Top Gear last Wednesday.

He was driving a jet-powered dragster, capable of travelling at speeds over 300mph when he crashed at Elvington airfield in York.

Hammond was being treated at Leeds General Infirmary, where he was airlifted to following the accident.

He was transferred from a high dependency unit to a general ward last Friday and medical staff at the hospital said that his recovery was continuing.

An investigation into the crash, conducted by police and the Health and Safety executive, is continuing.

(KMcA/EF)

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