FORMER colleagues of a former Bolton town planner who was crushed under a bus after the driver refused him entry have wished him a speedy recovery.

David Hogg, 60, fell under the wheels of a First Manchester single-decker bus in Rochdale after first falling back against a parked car.

The father-of-three had been told he could not get on by the driver, who believed he was drunk.

In fact he had a speech impediment and the incident caused him to be taken to Rochdale Infirmary with crush injuries and internal bleeding.

Today his former boss, Director of Environment Ray Jefferson, spoke of his shock at the incident.

Cheerful

He said: "David is a splendid chap. He had a speech impediment but he never let it impede him in his job.

"He always remained cheerful and outgoing and was a real asset. We've sent our love to his family and wish him a speedy recovery."

Mr Hogg worked for Bolton Council for more than 43 years before retiring in March last year. He had been returning from a game of bowls at Rochdale's Broadfield Park when the accident happened.

Richard Cowley, Deputy Director of Environment at Bolton, added: "It was a shock to all of us here. We wish him all the best."

Mr Hogg's wife of 32 years, Pauline, has urged witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information should contact Rochdale police on 0161 867 8743.