FLOWERS have been left by the grandchildren of pensioner Ernest Sargeant crushed under the wheels of a car at an Atherton pub car park.

A touching message reads simply: "To grandad. God bless, love Carole, Keith and Stephen."

The bouquet from his grandchildren were left with several other bunches of flowers at the car park at the Poets Corner pub on Spa Road where he died.

Another message reads: "Ernest, we knew you for such a short time but will treasure your memory for a long one. God bless you, love Pam and Pat."

Mr Sargeant, 88, from the Hag Fold estate, died in the accident with a Vauxhall Cavalier on the pub car park on Sunday night. Fire crews were called to the scene and police sealed off the car park as they launched an investigation.

Pub regulars dashed out to help. Paramedics were called but Mr Sargeant was pronounced dead on arrival at the Royal Bolton Hospital's casualty department.

The ex-miner had been drinking in the pub where he was a regular and was walking to his home half a mile away when the incident happened.

His wife Dorothy died two years ago. They had had five children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His son Malcolm, of Warwick Road, Atherton, formally identified his father to the coroner's officer and an inquest has been opened and adjourned. A post mortem examination was held on Wednesday.

AN 18-year-old man has appeared at Leigh Magistrates Court charged with causing causing death by aggravated vehicle taking.

Christopher Aspey, of Everest Road, Atherton, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address during the 30 minute hearing on Wednesday. His solicitor Bill Pearson told the court that Aspey intended to plead not guilty.

He was granted bail on the condition that he lived at an address in Wigan and not to enter Atherton. He also has to report to Wigan police station twice a week. The matter was adjourned until March 14.

A second man has been released on police bail, pending further inquires.