FRIENDS of a man killed crossing the road are trying to raise £2,000 to pay for his funeral.

Jack Hindley, aged 61, of Bromwich Street, The Haulgh, was walking on crutches when he was hit by a car in Moor Lane at 11.45pm on June 4 after a night out with pals.

Police have been unable to track down relatives who are able to pay for the funeral and so his friends have taken on the responsibility.

Fran Deakin, aged 39, of Tonge Fold, was collecting donations in a bucket in Bolton town centre on Saturday night, while wearing the shirt of Mr Hindley’s favourite football team, Manchester United.

There was also a collection bucket at The Griffin Pub, in Great Moor Street, where Mr Hindley was a regular.

After his death, staff from the pub laid flowers on his favourite stool at the end of the bar.

Mr Hindley used crutches after having an operation on his foot some years ago. He had worked on fairgrounds for 30 years.

Ms Deakin said: “Jack was very popular in the town centre.

So many people knew him and were fond of him.

“He was a brilliant guy and we will all miss him.

“It would be great if we could raise the funds for his funeral, which we hope to hold in the next few weeks.”

The car which hit Mr Hindley is believed to be a silver Vauxhall Vectra, which failed to stop at the scene.

A car believed to be the one involved in the collision is reported to have later returned to the scene.

Two men, aged 23 and 25, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and bailed until July 27.

Anyone with information should call the road policing unit at Leigh on 0161 856 7201.