A BUS driver failed to stop at a crossing at which he knocked down and killed an elderly couple, a courtwas told today.

Mark Stuart, prosecuting, said the driving of Paul Davis (37), of Fairlands Road, Bury fell "far below" the standards of a reasonable and competent motorist.

Jack Steel, 91, and his wife, Elsie, 93, of Bury, died just days before their 70th wedding anniversary.

Bolton Crown Court was told the pensioners were on a designated crossing at Bury Interchange bus station when they were hit by a single-decker bus.

Mr Stuart said: "The defendant was driving a bus which turned into the bus station and did not brake at the crossing. The Steels never reached the other side of the crossing. They had no chance of getting out of the way.

"Mr Davis's driving was dangerous because he failed to stop or even see an elderly couple who had been on a designated crossing for six seconds.

"That falls far below the standard of a reasonable and competent driver."

He said it may be suggested that the defendant's view had been obscured but he said that it was the Crown's case that this would have been for a short period of time and he should have checked to see if the road was clear.

Giving evidence, Peter Barry, the bus inspector at Bury Interchange, said drivers were expected to stop and give way to anyone using the crossings at the station.

Davis denies causing death by dangerous driving.