An elderly woman was killed after she was crushed by an articulated lorry close to a Chorley frozen food store.

Frances Power, 73, was struck by a lorry, making a delivery to the Farmfoods store in Water Street on the town centre by-pass.

It is believed the vehicle was reversing at the time.

Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene on Dacca Street, next to the store.

A police investigation is now under way.

The incident happened at 8.10am yesterday on Tuesday behind the store, close to the Rylands rail pedestrian crossing.

The driver of the Mercedes lorry, who is 52 and from Widnes, was taken to Chorley Hospital suffering from severe shock.

Neighbours of Mrs Power, a widow with grown-up children, who lived in Foster Street, Chorley, were upset by the news.

One man, who did not wish to be named, said: "All of us are very shocked by this.

"She was a grand lady, very active and would always stop for a chat.

"I think she did charity work up at Chorley Hospital.

"I have seen her there. I used to see her at the bus stop on Water Street in the mornings and presumed that's where she was going."

Part of the main road, close to the accident scene, was cordoned off as police investigations continued throughout Tuesday.

Fire crews from Chorley, Preston and Leyland attended.

They assisted police and placed a canvas sheet over the front wheels of the truck close to the cab area where Mrs Power lay.

A spokesperson at the Farmfoods store said: "The truck was making an early morning delivery to the store when the accident happened on the road close to our loading area."

A police spokesperson said: "We are appealing for witnesses to this incident or anyone who saw the Mrs Power on Tuesday morning prior to the accident."

Anyone with information should call Chorley road policing unit on 01257 246281.