MALMESBURY School pupil Sam Jackson had to have surgery and 16 stitches to his face after he fell off his bike and hit an overflow pipe at Reeds Farm.

Paramedics had to airlift the seven-year-old to Bath Royal United Hospital at about 4pm on Sunday afternoon where surgeons operated to repair the damage done to the top of his nose and his face.

The accident happened when Sam's bike slipped on ruts in the path on land near the house his family were moving into at Old Railway Close. Sam fell over the handlebars of his bike and hit his face on an overflow piping leading into a reservoir.

Mum Sherry Jackson, 32, was told of her son's accident by a neighbour who saw it happen.

Sam, seven, is now recovering at home after X-rays confirmed no damage had been done to the bones in his nose and cheeks.

Dad Darren Jackson, 37, said: "He is coping quite well considering."

Mr and Mrs Jackson said a sign which warned that it was private land was found submerged in the water of the overflow pond.

The couple say they would like to see the reservoir filled in or fenced off .

Developer Persimmon homes said they own the land and will be taking action. Richard Briggs, MD at Persimmon Homes Wessex, said: "After being made aware of this accident Persimmon responded immediately with a review of the area to ensure any necessary work is undertaken."