THE mother of a Ryedale youngster who was almost hit by a careless motorist says her son is lucky not to have been seriously injured.

Mark Taylor, was riding home from work at the Star Inn, in Harome, near Kirkbymoorside, when a car drove at him, causing him to crash his bicycle.

The 15-year-old suffered scratches to his hands and knees, was badly shaken and his bike damaged in the incident, which happened just before 5pm on Saturday.

"He is very lucky they didn't hit him and seriously hurt him," said his mum Dawn Taylor.

"I think it is disgusting and we are making every effort to find out who did it. Unfortunately the car passed so quickly, Mark didn't get the number plate."

Mark had just finished a shift in the restaurant at the Star Inn and was making his way home. He was cycling along the main A170 road when a blue Vauxhall Astra came up behind him.

"The car was veering from side to side across the road and was travelling at around 60mph as it approached," said Mrs Taylor.

"He was very worried it was going to hit him, so he swerved to avoid a collision and crashed just as they passed him.

"There were three young lads in the car and they saw him crash his bike but instead of stopping to see if he was all right, they just drove off laughing."

Despite being badly shaken by the experience Mark returned to Ryedale School, in Nawton, to complete his GCSE revision.

"We are appealing for anyone in the area who might know something about this car," said Mrs Taylor.

A spokesman from Malton Police urged anyone with information to contact them on 01723 509612.

Updated: 11:34 Wednesday, October 31, 2001