May 1, 2001 13:31: I WOULD dearly love to thank the gentleman who skidded into the back of my car in Howbury Lane, Slade Green, on February 26 at 6pm and disappeared before I could take his details.

I had my newborn daughter and toddler in the car with me when I was hit and I got out of my vehicle as did the driver of the other car who apologised to me and admitted it was his fault.

It was hammering down with rain and we were blocking traffic and, as we were stopped by the sharp right-angled turning, I was concerned for my daughters' safety, who were still inside my car.

I asked the man for his details and he asked that we go round the corner, about 20 metres away, to free up the traffic which was building up.

However, he did a sharp U-turn in the railway area and then just sped off!

The damage to my car is in excess of £800 and as I have just stopped work to raise my family I cannot afford to have it repaired.

My baby daughter requires regular hospital treatment and as we have recently moved house my three -year old's nursery is several miles from our home and the car was necessary to get her there.

If we claim on our insurance, although we have maximum no claims bonus, upon renewal our premium will be in excess of £1,100!

The man who hit my car was in his 50s, chubbily built with an Irish accent and driving a white N-registered Fiesta-type car. My blue Mondeo will now sit dormant.

I would like to warn other readers of unscrupulous scum like this who probably shirk paying for insurance at hardworking, honest folks' expense.

Mrs LISA BACON

Maiden Lane

Crayford