Richard's doctors say that he is making 'very good progress' in his recovery from last Wednesday's jet car crash.

He was today transferred to a Bristol hospital after a short journey across Leeds in the same helicopter that airlifted him from the scene of his accident.

Richard was laughing and smiling with the paramedics as the transfer took place.

Richard's wife Mindy and their daughters Willow and Isabella have been 'overwhelmed' by support from fans and well-wishers.

We alone have received well over 16,000 emails since the accident from Top Gear readers wishing Richard well - and the inbox is still growing.

A website set up by fans has also managed to raise more than £150,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which airlifted Richard to hospital on Wednesday.

The Air Ambulance service has announced that these donations will help to 'bring forward' plans to operate a second helicopter, which may be named after the Hamster.

Mindy has asked that well-wishers make a donation to the Air Ambulance instead of sending flowers.

The accident happened during filming for the new series of Top Gear at the former RAF airfield in Elvington, near York.

Richard was taken by air ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary's neurological unit.

Jeremy and James have both visited Richard and Mindy in Leeds - and you can read Jeremy's statement here. Like us, their thoughts are with Mindy and the family.

Obviously we expect the crash will be fully investigated by the Health and Safety Executive and the BBC.

The BBC said in a statement: "We are pleased to hear that Richard continues to improve and are staying in close touch with his family.

"The circumstances of this accident will be fully investigated by the BBC, and this process began on Wednesday night.

"We will, of course, be fully co-operating with any investigation by the police and the Health and Safety Executive. Until the BBC's investigation is complete, it would be inappropriate to comment on the details of what happened."