A CYCLIST who suffered horrific facial injuries when a deer knocked him from his mountain bike is trying to trace a Good Samaritan couple who came to his aid.

Bruce Quarton was travelling down Hovingham Bank a month ago when the startled wild animal sprang in his path and sent him flying face down into the road.

The 33-year-old believes he lay unconscious for a while before gathering his senses to flag down a passing car to drive him home.

The farmer, who lives at Moorhouse Farm, near Hovingham, said: “I remember seeing two deer by the side of the road and all I can remember is seeing one of them run off after hitting me.

‘‘When I came round I the pain was terrible.

‘‘I looked like something out of a horror film it was that bad. My nose and lips were spilt and missing chunks – I really was a state.

‘‘The couple were really good and drove me home, but they had to put me in the boot so I could hang my head out of the back because I was bleeding that badly.

“It was such a blur we forgot to get their names to thank them – I don’t know what I would have done without their help. I hope they get in touch because I would like to thank them personally and give them a hamper.”

Seeing the damage his mother, Louise, who runs their farm shop businesses, rang for the ambulance which took him to York Hospital for emergency surgery.

It took doctors two hours to rebuild his nose, which was shattered by the high-speed impact.

He added: “They reckon they have given me a Brad Pitt nose and to be honest it’s smaller than what it was although the plastic surgery wasn’t worth the pain.”

Despite the ordeal, he was back at work within a week at their Quarton’s County Meat farm shop business, although he has vowed to take more precautions when he finally gets back in the saddle.

He added: “I don’t think wearing a cycle helmet would have made much of a difference. I have been knocking about with motorcycles for years and nothing close to this has ever happened.

‘‘Even though it was a freak accident I’m not taking any more chances. When I get back on a mountain bike again I’m wearing a full facial mask and armour.”

Anyone who knows who the mystery couple are is urged to contact the Gazette & Herald on 01653 695600 or email gazette@gazetteherald.co.uk