TRIBUTES have been paid in Tetbury to the 91-year-old man, named locally as Tim Adkin, who died after being hit by a lorry.

Mr Adkin, who lived in Coombe House, Tetbury, was hit by a heavy goods vehicle tractor unit after it turned into London Road from Hampton Street last Friday at 10.35am.

An air ambulance was called but the elderly man sadly died at the scene.

Flowers and tributes have been placed on the railings at the bottom of Hampton Street from those who knew him or simply wanted to pay their respects.

Mr Adkin was said to be a war veteran pilot and served in the Royal Navy as a lieutenant commander.

Friend Barry Barnes joined many others in being shocked by the news and described his friend as a real gentlemen and 'a real Tetbury character'.

Mr Barnes added that he was proud to have known him and they often talked of his Royal Navy service.

He said that while Mr Adkins did not enjoy the war, he enjoyed flying. He particularly enjoyed flying the Hawker Sea Fury aircraft.

One of the tributes put up in the town wrote: "Tim, you lovely man, in our hearts forever sleep tight xxx"

Police are appealing for witnesses and would like to speak to motorists who were in front of the tractor unit just before it turned into London Road.

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident 127 of April 29.