A CORONER says a motorist and pedestrian may only have seen each other until a moment before a serious road crash.

Maureen Westwell, 59, was struck by a Ford Focus car on Milnshaw Lane, Accrington, on Sunday, October 28 last year.

Her life support machine was switched off at the Royal Preston Hospital, on November 11, due to the extent of her injuries.

Preston Coroner's Court was told Mrs Westwell, of Gordon Street, Accrington, had been picking up groceries for a meal when the incident occurred.

Police accident investigators say the Focus was only travelling at around 20mph but the driver , Paul Catterall, may have been dazzled by a low-lying sun.

Mr Catterall confirmed he only saw Mrs Westwell in the road the moment before the crash.

Coroner James Newmans returned a conclusion of accidental death on that basis.

Mrs Westwell, who had worked as a sewing machinist after leaving school, was a mother-of-three and a devoted grandmother. She was also a keen gardener and enjoyed walking her dog Snowy.

She suffered tragedy when her seven-year-old daughter Nicola died following a viral infection.

Her sister Christine Peacock said: "She has been taken from us far too soon and we will miss her dearly; she is to be laid to rest with her daughter Nicola which was her wish."