RAF veteran John Saunders has died after he was hit by a car while crossing the road just meters from his home in Warminster.

Mr Saunders, 81, of Victoria Road, Warminster, died after he was struck by a grey Mazda car just yards from his home last Wednesday. The driver of the car took Mr Saunders to Salisbury Hospital suffering from head and leg injuries but he died on Monday.

The crash happened on Grovelands Way at the junction with Victoria Road at about 6.35pm. Police are appealing for witnesses Mr Saunders was a member of the Warminster branch of the Royal Air Force Association.

Chairman of the Warminster Royal British Legion branch, Ted Wilson said: “I heard at a meeting earlier this week that he had died.

“I know he was a standard bearer for the RAFA branch for some time and he was well liked by fellow branch members who knew him.

Elizabeth Gray, a neighbour, said: “John was a lovely man, he was always good for a chat when I saw him in the neighbourhood.

She spoke about the dangers of the juntion where the accident happened. She said: “As a pedestrian you can't see cars coming unless you walk into the middle of the road.

Mr Saunders and late wife Peggy used to run the United Services Club in Imber Road.

Major Alan Pickford, former secretary of the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regimental Association knew Mr Saunders through branch meetings held at Warminster Town Football Club, where Mr Saunders was membership secretary.

“It was a hell of a shock to hear about his death said Maj Pickford, 85.

“He was a great supporter of our association and a great friend to us. It was typical of the man that although he had only met my wife once or twice, when she died last May he came to the service.”