A WOMAN was killed and her husband seriously injured in a road accident while out cycling.

Dorothy Brown, 47, who was riding about 20 yards behind her husband Alan, suffered fatal injuries when she was hit by a car travelling in the same direction. Dorothy, or Dot as she was known, was taken to Airedale General Hospital, Steeton, where she was pronounced dead.

Alan, who runs Brown Bros Esso garage opposite Rolls-Royce's Bankfield factory, Skipton Road, Barnoldswick, with his brother Keith, was taken to the same hospital with serious head injuries.

He was later transferred to Bradford Royal Infirmary for surgery to a deep head wound.

The accident happened on the A59 road between Gisburn and Skipton, about a mile from the turn-off to Bracewell. A Rover 216 car being driven by 71-year-old Frank Walmsley, of Skipton, was in collision with the couple, who were riding separate bicycles. Dorothy was struck first and the car was then in collision with Alan, 44. Keith said the couple, who lived in Taylor Street, Barnoldswick, were "soul partners" who enjoyed outdoor activities. "They just loved to get out and enjoy the outdoors," he said. "Alan liked to leave the pressures of running the business behind and enjoy some time away from it all." The couple, who have three children, were well-known in the town. Alan started work at the garage after leaving Ermysteads Grammar School, Skipton. In 1982 he and Keith took over the service station.

As a younger man Alan played cricket for Barnoldswick CC and Rolls-Royce CC and he was a past member of Clayton Harriers running club. He also played snooker for Rolls-Royce and Ouzledale.

Dorothy used to work behind the counter at the former Elmers chemist shop in the town centre.

The couple have three children, Daniel, 12, and Lucy, 14, who attend West Craven High School, and 17-year-old Kate who is a pupil at Skipton Girls High School.

Other members of the family were travelling to Barnoldswick from London and the Isle of Man.

East Lancashire coroner David Smith has been informed. The police investigation into the accident was continuing today. They have appealed to anyone who saw the accident to contact Colne police on 01282 863161.

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