A 93-YEAR-OLD great grandad described as a happy-go lucky man loved by everyone he met has died after being knocked down as he crossed the road outside his home.

Joseph Alan Sheard, of Brothers Street, Blackburn, suffered multiple head injuries in the accident at 6.45pm on Saturday and died in Blackburn Royal Infirmary early yesterday.

Mr Sheard, who would have been 94 next Monday, was hit as he crossed the road outside his home by a Nissan Micra driven by 77-year-old John Slater of Selbourne Mews, Blackburn.

Police are waiting to interview Mr Slater because he was too shocked to talk about the incident and are appealing for witnesses.

Sgt Nigel Walker said: "We would like to speak to anyone who saw what happened and in particular another car in that area at the time."

Mr Sheard's family, including a son and daughter-in-law Malcolm and Betty, daughter Margaret, six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, are coming to terms with their loss.

His daughter Margaret McCrimmon, also of Brothers Street, said: "He was a lovely man and everyone loved him. He didn't have a bad word to say about anyone. I was just hoping he would see the millennium." Mr Sheard's grandson Callum, 24, went on: "He was just a really lovely man, happy-go-lucky and very sociable."

Mr Sheard, a lifelong Blackburn Rovers supporter and St John Ambulance man, had been on his way to a whist drive when the accident happened. He was also a member of the Corporation Park bowling team, attended Ardley day centre and Ragged School Church.

Anyone with any information can contact the Road Safety Unit on 01254 382141.

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