AN 88-year-old pensioner who died in hospital after a car accident in the New Forest has been named.

Charles George Ames, known locally as George, was struck by a car on Bashley Common Road, near New Milton, on Sunday morning.

It was the same road where his wife died in a cycling accident some four or five years ago, say police.

He sustained multiple injuries when he was hit a blue Ford Fiesta as he crossed the road outside Bashley Stores at 9.45am.

He had just collected his morning papers as he did every week at that time.

Mr Ames, who lived on Bashley Common Road, was taken to Southamp-ton General Hospital where he died later that day.

The driver of the Fiesta was taken to hospital by ambulance. He was treated for shock and later released.

Lyndhurst traffic police are keen to speak to anybody who witnessed the accident.

"We would particularly like to speak to anybody who saw the collision or saw the blue Ford Fiesta on Bashley Common Road immediately preceding the incident," said Pc Phil Constable.

"Mr Ames cycled this route for many years, but gave up his bike a couple of years ago.

"We believe that his wife was killed as the result of a collision on her bike on this road four or five years ago, which makes this a particularly sad and tragic accident."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Pc Constable at LyndhurstTraffic on 0845 045 4545.