A PEDESTRIAN aged 81 died after she was in collision with a 7.5 tonne Mitsubishi box van in the centre of Bacup.

Dorothy Moore, of Heathfield Road, Stacksteads, was crossing the road near to the post office in Burnley Road when the accident happened at 12.10pm yesterday.

It is understodd that Mrs Moore, who has a daughter living in Bury, was going to the A, B and D Centre for her lunch.

She was taken to Burnley General Hospital but died a short time later from fatal head and internal injuries.

The busy main road between Bacup and Burnley was closed for two-and-a-half hours while traffic police investigated the accident. The lorry was driven by Christopher Watson-Sowerby, 26, from Carnforth. Police said he had swerved to try and avoid the pensioner.

Witnesses are asked to contact 01706 237464 or 01282 472431.