A PEDESTRIAN seriously injured as she crossed the road near her home has been named as 81-year-old Joyce Wilding.

Mrs Wilding is in hospital after being struck by a white Renault Kangoo van in Shakespeare Avenue, Great Harwood.

A 38-year-old man from the town has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

Police said Mrs Wilding, of Blackburn Road, was crossing Shakespeare Avenue at 5.40pm on Monday when she was struck.

She was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital and her condition is described as serious but stable.

Mrs Wilding's daughter, Marjorie Swiatczak, of Great Harwood, said: "She is a very active lady, always on the go.

"My mother is very traumatised and shaken and it will be some time before she builds up her confidence again to get back out and about."

Neighbours spoke of their shock. A neighbour who did not want to be named, said: "I've heard that she was going out to post a card of condolence to the family of her niece, who has just died."

Another neighbour said: "Joyce has been a very sad lady since her husband died the year before last."

The Renault van was seized by police for forensic examination.

Police believe the van had been turning into Shakespeare Avenue from Blackburn Road when the accident happened.

Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw the vehicle just before the accident to contact them on 0845 1 25 35 45 or the road policing unit on 01254 353205.