Mick Channon, the former England footballer turned racehorse trainer, is recovering in hospital following a car crash on the M1 yesterday.

Channon and his son Jack were involved in a serious accident as they returned to their base in Lambourn in Berkshire from the Doncaster Sales.

Tim Corby, the ex-Southampton and England star's friend and racing agent, who was also in the car, died in the crash.

Channon and his youngest son were taken to Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre for treatment. The trainer had a "tough old night" in intensive care after suffering broken ribs, a broken arm, a fractured jaw and a punctured lung, said son Michael Channon, 33.

He will undergo surgery tomorrow to pin bones in his arm and have his jaw wired.

Jack Channon was left "battered and bruised" but was not seriously injured. He is undergoing medical checks as a precaution, his brother said.

Michael Channon, a video producer, said: "We have been petrified and worried and absolutely out of our wits worrying about our own family. But as for the Corbys, our hearts really go out to them.

"Tim was a friend of Mick's for over 30 years. He was a renowned figure in the racing scene who was universally popular in the industry and he will be sorely missed by the residents of East and West Ilsley, all of his many friends, and most of all the Corby family."

Mr Channon said Mr Corby leaves wife Sheila and daughter Adriana.

He added: "Mick is conscious and able to talk from his hospital bed and he's absolutely devastated at the loss of Tim. His heart goes out to Sheila and Adriana."