A POPULAR pensioner who died after suffering serious injuries in a car accident was described by her family as a fun-loving character who liked "a little flutter" on the dogs.

Doreen Yates, 75, of Mallard Place, Oswaldtwistle, died following a collision with a Vauxhall Corsa as she crossed Union Road on January 12.

She suffered a severely broken right leg and head injuries and was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

She was released from hospital last Tuesday but her general health deteriorated and she died at her home on Saturday. Her daughter Sheila said: "She was a real character who was very fun-loving and used to like a flutter.

"She was married to Ben for 52 years and nearly every day she told him she was going for a loaf. But in reality she was going to put money on the dogs - but he knew what she was doing.

"Her maximum stake would be around 20 pence and she would always win.

"She was very lucky and would always win raffles.

"She was a true Christian and never said a bad word about anyone.

"Her family was her life and she loved family gatherings and would stand up and do performances. She told wonderful stories which would leave people in stitches - she used to make people cry with laughter.

"She was very funny and well-respected and loved. The whole of Oswaldtwistle knew her."

Born in Manchester, Mrs Yates moved to Oswaldtwistle during the war and worked in the cotton industry at Vine Mill.

She liked doing crosswords, reading, dining out and travelling.

She leaves husband Ben, daughter Christine, granddaughters Emma and Lucy and great grandson Josh.

The funeral arrangements have yet to be made.

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