A TRAGIC dad who left his local pub after a Saturday night out, died when he was hit by a car while crossing the road.

Joiner John Sharrock, known locally as Jack, of Wigan Road, Leigh, had been drinking in the Royal Oak pub close to his home with his wife Kathleen when they crossed the road at 10pm to get something to eat at the Indian takeaway.

It is understood that Mr Sharrock realised he had left his cigerettes in the pub, so he crossed Wigan Road again to get them when he was struck by a Citreon Berlingo car. He was rushed to Wigan Royal Infirmary suffering from serious head injuries, and later died in hospital. The driver, a 45-year-old man from St Helens, escaped unhurt.

Mr Sharrock leaves behind a 29-year-old son Gary, and a 10-year-old grandson Jack.

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "Jack would do anything for anybody, he was such a good neighbour and friend. He was well known and liked by everyone in the local area. His wife Kathleen does not know what day it is, she's not been eating or sleeping since Saturday night.

"He had left the pub with his wife because he was hungry. Kathleen was in the takeaway ordering their food when he went back to pub to get his cigerettes, when the accident happened. I just cannot believe it, i'm devestated."