A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after a volunteer litter-picker was badly injured in an accident.

The 68-year-old victim suffered seven broken ribs and a fractured pelvis in the incident, which occurred on the A336 between Bartley and Netley Marsh.

Members of Copythorne Parish Pickers, who wear bright pink jackets, were removing rubbish from a wide strip of grassland beside the road.

A statement on social media, issued with the consent of the victim's husband, says the casualty suffered a broken wrist, seven broken ribs and a broken pelvis in the collision.

It adds: "This is far more serious than first thought. I know everyone wishes her a speedy recovery."

The accident happened last Saturday at around 11am.

A police spokesperson said: "We received a report of a collision on the A336 involving a VW Toureg and a pedestrian.

"The pedestrian, a 68 year old woman, suffered broken bones.

"A 61-year-old man from Lyndhurst was arrested on suspicion of driving a vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit. He has been released under investigation."

South Central Ambulance Service was alerted at 10.50am and took the woman to University Hospital Southampton.

The accident has prompted New Forest District Council to issue a general warning to all volunteer litter-pickers.

A spokesperson said: "We appreciate the efforts of our community to help keep the district clean and tidy and we would like to remind volunteers that they should always put their personal safety first.

“Please don’t litter pick along roads with a speed limit of more than 30mph, highways or highway verges, or any roads where there is no pavement or footpath.

"Always litter pick in daylight, and wear appropriate clothing and footwear, including a hi-vis vest if possible.”