THE trial of a motorist involved in hitting a lollipop lady and five children in a crash outside a Rhoose school has begun this week.

Robert Bell, 61, is accused of driving without due care and attention before the collision at Rhws Junior School in June 2013.

He denies the charge, saying he lost control of the vehicle after becoming unwell at the wheel.

The trial starts at Cardiff Magistrates' Court today (Wednesday, May 14) and is expected to last three days.

Lollipop lady Karin Williams, 50, has been praised for her bravery in leaping into the path of the car to protect children.

She was seriously injured in the crash, breaking her legs, elbow, shoulder and ribs and was cosigned to a wheelchair for a time afterwards

Four girls and a boy under the age of 10 were also injured along with two mothers who were walking them to school.

One of the girls suffered serious injuries and spent more than two months recovering at the paediatric intensive care unit of the University Hospital of Wales.