Family pay tribute to 'pillar of the community'

David Watch, 83, died in hospital after being hit by a van while crossing the road

A volunteer who sold poppies for the Royal British Legion has been remembered as a "pillar of the community" following his death.

David Watch, 83, from Warmley near Bristol, died after being hit by a Transit van while crossing Victoria Road at about 08:00 GMT on 9 October.

Avon and Somerset Police and paramedics attended the scene and Mr Watch was taken to hospital, where he died from his injuries later that day.

His family said in a statement: "He will be missed by us all, but we are grateful for his life, inspired by his legacy, and have peace about his eternity."

Mr Watch, known as Dave to his friends and family, was born in Weymouth, Dorset in 1942 and moved to Warmley in 1970, where he worked for Bristol Churches Housing Association after serving in the Army.

"David was well-liked by his neighbours and friends and loved by his wife Jean, his three adult children, and seven grandchildren," his family said.

"In recent years David enjoyed music and sport, and could be found selling poppies as a volunteer for the Royal British Legion, attending his church in Kingswood, playing badminton in Keynsham, playing snooker in Warmley or beating someone at Yahtzee.

"Jean would like to express a heartfelt thanks to passers-by and neighbours from the surrounding houses who acted so compassionately in the immediate moments and days since," his family said.

Avon and Somerset Police said the family have since received specialist support from a family liaison officer.