Former Norwich City star Mick Channon will undergo surgery after being seriously injured in a crash in which a life-long friend died. Channon, 59, and his son Jack, 15, were both taken to hospital on Wednesday after the vehicle in which they were travelling crashed on the M1 as they returned to their Berkshire home.

Former Norwich City star Mick Channon will undergo surgery after being seriously injured in a crash in which a life-long friend died.

Channon, 59, and his son Jack, 15, were both taken to hospital on Wednesday after the vehicle in which they were travelling crashed on the M1 as they returned to their Berkshire home.

Mick Channon spent the night in intensive care after suffering broken ribs, a broken arm, a fractured jaw and a punctured lung.

Jack Channon was not seriously injured and is undergoing medical checks as a precaution.

However, 63-year-old racing agent Tim Corby, who is understood to have been the driver of the vehicle, died in the crash.

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.

Mr 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.'

mfl Police were called to the crash at the M1's junction 24, near Kegworth, at 4.19pm yesterday after a report of a single vehicle leaving the southbound carriageway.

Mr Corby died when the silver Mercedes he was driving left the motorway and hit a concrete pillar, said Leicestershire Police.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Mr Channon was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre by air ambulance.

PC Neil Holmes, who is investigating the incident, said: "The vehicle was travelling past Junction 24 southbound when the incident happened. I am appealing who saw the vehicle beforehand or saw the incident take place to get in touch.'

Mick Channon made 112 appearances scoring 25 goals for the Canaries between 1982 and 1985.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mr Holmes on 0116 222 2222.