A DEVOTED husband, father and grandfather died two weeks after he was seriously injured in a collision that killed his wife.

James and Lorraine Bolton were struck by a car in Bury New Road on the border of Radcliffe and Breightmet.

Mrs Bolton, aged 66, died at the scene and retired flagstone layer Mr Bolton – aged 67 and known as Jimmy – was taken to Salford Royal Hospital in a critical condition, reportedly suffering with head injuries, including brain swelling.

Mr Bolton never regained consciousness following the New Year's Eve collision and died on Saturday, January 14. He never found out about his wife’s death.

The couple’s son William, aged 31, said: “He was a great character and a rock to the family and all of his friends. He didn’t do much over the last 10 years as he spent most of that time by the side of my mum. They were inseparable.

“He completely doted on my mother and he loved his sons, loved his grandsons. His grandchildren are devastated. It’s been a very difficult time. The last six weeks have been horrendous. It’s turned everyone’s life upside down.”

The couple have three sons, William, Andrew and Jason, and in a family tribute released after Mrs Bolton died they said: "She was a doting nan to Lauren, Rachel and Nathaniel.

"She was a quiet, gentle soul who was friendly, honest, well liked and kind."

Mrs Bolton's funeral was several weeks ago at St Osmund's Catholic Church in Long Lane, Breightmet, and her husband's funeral took place at East Lancashire Crematorium in Radcliffe on Tuesday when the building was full with well-wishers.

Sharon Jonak, a neighbour of the couple in Brock Avenue, Breightmet, said: "James was very chatty and friendly and always called across the road 'morning' and 'how are you?' He was such a nice man.

"I knew him because many years ago he used to work with my ex-partner and he laid our driveway.

"When I moved to this house, he by coincidence lived across the road and came over to introduce himself because he recognised me.

"About 10 years ago he started having problems with his eyes and he ended up retiring.

"I used to see him pushing a pram around with their grandchildren in."

Neighbour Lee Rawlinson previously told The Bolton News the couple were warmly thought of.

He said: "Jimmy used to bob up and down the road and would do odd jobs for neighbours.

"He is a happy go lucky guy and has always worked hard his whole life."

The Boltons were understood to have been returning home from a routine trip to Bury – an outing they would usually make on Saturdays – and were crossing the after alighting a bus near the junction with Radcliffe Moor Road when they were struck by a Toyota Yaris travelling eastbound.

The driver, a man in his 70s, received minor injuries and stopped at the time. He was spoken to by police and was not arrested.

Greater Manchester Police are continuing investigations into the incident.

'A very kind person' - Neighbours pay tribute to Lorraine Bolton killed by car as husband remains critical

Police constable Seamus Toal, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Tragically, two people have lost their lives following this collision and my thoughts remain with their family.

“We are continuing our investigation to determine the full circumstances which sadly led to this devastating outcome and if anyone is holding any information about the collision, even if they believe it to be insignificant, please pass it onto us so we can give some answers to the family.

“They are currently dealing with a tremendous amount of grief and wish to thank people for their condolences but have asked for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time.”

Anyone with information should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 846 4741 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The inquests into the couple's deaths have been opened at Rochdale Coroner's Court and will resume on June 9.