A MILKMAN is recovering at home after being attacked while doing his round on early Monday morning.

The man, who has not been named, was delivering milk in Thacking Lane, Ingleton, when he was attacked by a person wearing a balaclava and brandishing a pickaxe handle.

A struggle took place, and the milkman managed to grab the pickaxe handle.

However, during the attack, he sustained a cut to his head, a one-and-a-half inch cut to his cheek, cuts and bruising to his right hand, and bruising to one of his forearms.

He was taken to Lancaster Royal Infirmary, where he was treated before being allowed home.

His assailant escaped in a dark blue van, which police believe had been driving around the village before the attack. The exhaust was very loud, as if it was about to blow.

The suspect is described as probably male, 6ft tall, of medium build.

"We are anxious to hear from anyone who can identify the van or the suspect, or who witnessed the attack," said a police spokesman.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ingleton Police on 01756 793377.