A NEIGHBOUR today paid tribute to a pensioner who died after a car skidded out of control and crashed into him on a pavement.

Michael Toman, 78, of Primrose Bank, Stacksteads, was walking home from a family Christmas celebration when the accident happened in Newchurch Road, Bacup, at 3.05pm on Boxing Day.

Mr Toman died a few hours after the crash from severe head and leg injuries.

Officers said that the driver of a Citroen Saxo, a 29-year-old local man, passed a breath test at the scene and was not arrested.

Police said they were investigating what had caused the Saxo to skid off the road, and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Neighbour Margaret Dew paid tribute to Mr Toman, a bachelor and devout Catholic, who had lived in Primrose Bank for more than 20 years.

She said: "He was a lovely person who would do anyone a good turn, and I can't believe he's gone.

"I last saw him on Christmas morning when he came round to swap parcels, like we did every year.

"He was very fit and active despite his age. He was a keen golfer and walked a lot.

"He liked his cricket too, and went to watch Bacup at almost every match they played. I can't believe I won't see him again.

"He was a really good neighbour and I'll miss him a lot."

Sergeant Martin Bishop, of the Colne-based road policing unit, said: "A full investigation is underway to establish the cause and fault of this tragic accident.

"I would ask anyone who witnessed the collision, or saw the blue Saxo immediately before, to contact police.

"Mr Toman lived alone and was a very private person.

"He was a devout Catholic who regularly attended church.

"He has sisters, and their families, who live in the area.

"He had spent the afternoon with one of his sisters and brother-in-law."

He added: "May I remind drivers to take particular care at this time of year and drive accordingly.

"Our investigations always look at the behaviour of drivers and their driving in relation to the conditions."