An inquest has opened into the death of a "much-loved" pensioner who died after being hit by a van in Bury.

Irene Allen, aged 87, was struck by a Mercedes Sprinter van while she was crossing Walmersley Road at around 11.15am on Tuesday, December 6.

The van remained in the area and the driver helped officers with enquiries.

A 26-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving and was released under investigation.

Rochdale Coroners Court heard how Mrs Allen, who lived on Milbourne Road in Bury, was taken to Salford Royal Hospital following the incident.

Police coroners officer Bernadette Hatton told the court that Mrs Allen was taken to the critical care unit of the hospital, but her condition did not improve.

She died five days later on Sunday, December 11.

PCO Hatton said Mrs Allen, a retired doctor’s receptionist, was married to Gordon Allen, a retired textile industry worker who has died.

In a tribute released by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Irene’s daughter Melanie said her mum had complained to the council in the mid-1960s about a lack of safe crossings on Walmersley Road and "became the newsworthy first lollipop lady in Bury".

Read more: 'Much-loved': Tribute to 87-year-old woman who died after being hit by van

Melanie said: “Irene was a much-loved ex-medical receptionist at Ribblesdale House and Age UK Jubilee Centre committee member.

“The police are continuing to investigate the circumstances but a postmortem concluded that she died of multiple injuries caused by the collision.

“Irene, a keen walker and Rawtenstall cricket fan, leaves behind a daughter and three grandchildren and a whole community who miss her sunny personality.

“Always putting others before herself, in the mid-1960s Irene complained to Bury Council about the lack of safe crossings for school children across the busy Walmersley Road and became the newsworthy first lollipop lady in Bury.

“This tragic irony sits with us today.”

PCO Hatton added that GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is continuing its investigation into the incident.

Coroner Matthew Cox asked for statements from Mrs Allen's GP and Salford Royal Hospital before adjourning the case.

The case is set to be reviewed on April 17 next year.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have footage, including dashcam, mobile phone or CCTV/doorbell footage from the area in the moments leading up to and before the collision took place.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 1,115 of December 6.

Alternatively, details can be passed via the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.