NEIGHBOURS of a woman killed by a car as she crossed the road with her husband have paid tribute to her.

Lorraine Bolton, aged 66 and her husband James, known as Jimmy, aged 67, were hit by a driver in Bury New Road on New Year's Eve.

Mrs Bolton was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband is still in a "critical condition" in Salford Royal Hospital.

The couple, who have three sons William, Andrew and Jason, were understood to have been into Bury – a trip they would usually make on Saturdays.

They had just got off a bus to cross the road, at the junction of Radcliffe Moor Road, close to the border of Radcliffe and Breightmet, when they were hit by a Toyota Yaris travelling eastbound.

A man in his 70s, who was the driver of the vehicle, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

No arrests have been made.

Lee Rawlinson, aged 56, who lives opposite the couple in Breightmet, said he "couldn't fault either of them." He added: "It is tragic. Lorraine was a very quiet lady, she kept herself to herself but she would always say hello, they both would. Jimmy used to bob up and down the road and would do odd jobs for neighbours. He is a happy go lucky guy and has always worked hard his whole life.

"I don't think it was long ago that he retired, he used to be a flagger."

Mr Rawlinson said he was getting ready to go out to celebrate New Year's Eve when he was told of the news by a police man who knocked on his door.

He added: "I've lived here 30 years and they were here well before me and married all that time.

"It is very sad."

Another resident Sharon Jonak, aged 45, who knows Mr Bolton said: "It is awful.

"I just kept thinking to myself, it won't be Jimmy. It is shocking. I just hope he is okay. It is really really sad."

Neighbour Sally Ward said Mrs Bolton was the first person to welcome her into the street, when she moved in eight years ago.

The 53-year-old added: "She was a really really nice, genuine lady. Very quietly spoken.

"She would make meals for an elderly lady who lived a few doors down every day. She was just a very kind person. It is just horrible."

A tribute was released by the family on Monday which read: “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.”

Anyone with information is to contact Police on 101 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.