Filming has resumed on Top Gear 15 days after presenter Richard Hammond pranged a 300mph jet-powered dragster, the BBC has confirmed.

There were fears among the show's fans that it might be canned following the serious accident at Elvington airfield, near York, which hospitalised the 36-year-old speed merchant.

However, a BBC spokeswoman said: "We are resuming filming parts of the next series that don't involve Richard." She added: "The next series will not be scheduled until we have further news of Richard's progress. We remain committed to the future of Top Gear."

Hammond continues to make a steady recovery in a Bristol hospital, and is reported to be "happy with the news" that Top Gear is back on the road. ®