Grandfather dies of car crash injury

Reporter: Jan Harwood
Date online: 10/06/2008

A grandfather of four has died in hospital after he was injured in a road traffic collision last month.

79 year-old Albert Pilkington, of Town Mill Brow, Rochdale, was taken to Rochdale Infirmary with a serious head injury after he was hit by a car near Rochdale town centre.

Mr Pilkington was walking across the junction of St Mary's Gate and College Road on Wednesday 28 May when he was hit by a Toyota Yaris.

His injuries were not thought to be life threatening but his condition worsened and he died on Saturday (7 June) in Hope Hospital.

Mr Pilkington's sons Stephen and Michael have paid tribute to their father, saying: "He was a loving, caring and devoted grandfather and he will be deeply missed both by ourselves, his daughters-in-law Caroline and Marjorie and his sister Doris.

"He was always there to support his four grandchildren and as a family, our wishes and sympathies go out to the driver who was involved."

Mr Pilkington worked as a prison officer for more than 20 years and was a keen follower of rugby and cricket.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the incident and want anyone with any information to contact the Area 3 Road Policing Unit on 0161 856 8802.