WORKMATES have paid tribute to Roger Scorey, the Fareham dad who died five days after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver.

Staff at the Gosport repair centre where he worked for 14 years have told of the "smashing and lovely man" who will be missed by colleagues and customers.

Mr Scorey, 59, of Paxton Close, Fareham, had seemed to be making a slow recovery after the accident exactly a week ago but died of his injuries at Queen Alexandra hospital on Sunday.

Pals at the accident and repair workshop at the Sanderson Centre where Mr Scorey - known as "Podge" - worked as a paint sprayer told of their shock at the news of his death.

Brian Bagley said: "It is just absolutely devastating. We started here about the same time and we became good friends.

"His overalls and his tea mug are still here and I just keep looking at them. I can't believe he won't be back.

"People have been coming in all day just in utter disbelief at what has happened. We were a very close-knit small firm so we will feel the loss."

Mr Scorey's two sisters who also live in Fareham were said to be shocked and devastated. His son Paul is travelling from his home in Hertfordshire to be with his family in Fareham.

Police are following up a number of lines of inquiry in an effort to trace the driver who sped away from the scene of the accident on Redlands Lane after knocking Mr Scorey into the path of another car.

Mr Bagley condemned the hit-and-run driver. He said: "I don't know how they can live with themselves. Even if you hit a cat or a dog you should stop and check it is OK, but it seems not everyone has morals. I think it is disgusting. It makes me very angry when I think about it."

Mr Scorey had just stepped off a bus and was crossing Redlands Lane close to his home when he was hit by the car and was taken to hospital suffering from serious chest injuries.

Witnesses identified the vehicle as a red or maroon Ford Anglia. Last week police recovered a similar car that had been dumped the same night in a nearby street.

A police spokesman said: "We have a number of leads but we do need more people who saw what happened to come forward."

Anyone who was in the Redlands Lane area at 6.30pm last Tuesday is urged to call 0845 045 4545.