A PENSIONER who had just enjoyed lunch at a Stourport café was run over by a lorry as he crossed the road.

Jim Greenhow, of Bowpatch Road, Stourport, left the Hob Café, Bridge Street, and started crossing the street.

The retired carpenter, aged 77, was killed when the lights changed to green and the tipper lorry started to move, running him over.

Worcestershire coroner Victor Round said at the inquest that the driver had not seen Mr Greenhow and was only aware that he had run him over when a passer-by attracted his attention.

Mr Round said: "There was a pelican crossing about 15 metres away from where this happened.

"The lorry was travelling towards Great Witley, but was second or third in a queue and was stationary.

"Witnesses saw Mr Green-how cross the road, walking in front of the lorry, and as the traffic began to move, so did the lorry."

Mr Greenhow was knocked to the floor and then run over. Shopkeepers and passers-by rushed to his aid. He was airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham but died several hours later.

The court was told the driver had a very restricted view.

Mr Round said: "It is highly likely he couldn't see Mr Greenhow. This is the third time I've seen this happen, and each time it is in relation to elderly people."

He told Mr Greenhow's family that he would be writing a letter to the road haulage industry and asking them why there were still lorries not fitted with "crab-claw" mirrors that give drivers a view of what is in directly front of them "It is the sort of thing that could take years, but I think it is worth taking up." he added.

A verdict of accident death was recorded.