PENSIONER John Braithwaite, who was seriously injured when he was struck by a lorry near his Ogbourne St George home, has died.

The 72-year-old was airlifted to Swindon's Great Western Hospital by the Wiltshire Air Ambulance after suffering serious head injuries in the collision.

The pensioner remained in a coma with his wife Cynthia and their two sons Mark and Chris at his bedside. He died on Monday, a week after the accident.

Mr Braithwaite regularly crossed the A346 Marlborough to Swindon road to visit the Ogbourne Downs Golf Club.

He was not a golfer but liked to collect balls lost on the course and the driving range, which he would take to the professional's shop where he enjoyed chatting to staff. Villagers and staff at the club have spoken highly of Mr Braithwaite and how he had bravely fought back to health following a stroke.

On Monday last week he was making one of his visits to the club and was about to cross over the road when the accident happened.

Police have appealed for witnesses who saw the pensioner standing at the roadside, and who have not already given statements to the police, to contact PC Kathy Holland at Salisbury traffic unit on (01722) 435357.

There will be a private cremation service for the family only next Thursday.

A thanksgiving service for Mr Braithwaite's life will be held in St George's Church at Ogbourne St George on May 27 at 1pm.