THE devastated family of a woman who died after being hit by a car on New Year’s Eve have paid tribute to her.

Lorraine Bolton, aged 66, was pronounced dead at the scene in Bury New Road, near Breightmet, at around 5.20pm.

Her 67-year-old husband, James, who was also hit by the car, is still in a serious condition in hospital. 

Police were called to the junction of Radcliffe Moor Road, close to the border of Radcliffe and Breightmet, to reports of two pedestrians being hit by a car. 

Mrs Bolton and her husband were understood to have just got off a bus before crossing the road when they were both hit by a white Toyota Yaris travelling eastbound. 

Mrs Bolton died from her injuries. Meanwhile, her husband was taken to Salford Royal Hospital, where he remains in a serious condition. 

The driver of the white Toyota Yaris, a man in his 70s, was also taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

Paying tribute to her, Mrs Bolton’s family said in a statement: “Lorraine was a daughter to Joan, mum to Andrew, Jason and William and a mother-in-law to Tracey, Jo-Ann and Joanne. 

“She was a doting nan to Lauren, Rachel and Nathaniel. 

“She was a quiet, gentle soul who was friendly, honest, well liked and kind.” 

Friend Lynn Smith said: “I have known Lorraine for over 30 years she was a lovely gentle lady and will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.”

Tributes have also been paid on Facebook. 

Catherine Williams posted: “How very sad, your only comfort is that she didn’t suffer. RIP” while another social media user Lorraine Mather wrote “R I P so tragic thoughts are with the family.”

Kat Dobson on Facebook said: “RIP, hope the gentleman makes a swift recovery ” and Lynn Smith wrote “devastated such a lovely women rip lovely lady.”

Carol Lacey, who appeared to know the couple wrote: “Beautiful couple very sad indeed god bless them both.”

Sergeant Lee Westhead, from the police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this difficult time. 

“We continue to offer our support to them whilst we try and ascertain the exact circumstances behind this tragic collision. 

“I would urge anyone who witnessed anything, or saw the car before the collision, to please call us.” 

Anyone with any information should call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 471 quoting incident number 1457 of 31 December 2016.