Tributes paid to 'devoted family man' hit by car

Thomas Noel Crowley died three days after being hit by a car

Tributes have been paid to a "dearly loved" grandfather who died after being hit by a car.

Thomas Noel Crowley, 86, died on 10 December in hospital in Cardiff as a result of the injuries he sustained three days earlier in Port Talbot.

A former leader of Neath Port Talbot council, Mr Crowley, known as Noel, received a CBE from Queen Elizabeth II, acknowledging his community service.

He was also key carer for his grandson Sam who has autism, his family said.

Mr Crowley was hit by a blue Skoda Fabia in Sandfields, Port Talbot, at about 17:45 GMT on Saturday 7 December.

A 20-year-old man was arrested at the time on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs, driving without a licence and without due care and attention.

He was released and remains under investigation, South Wales Police said.

Mr Crowley was a well-known member of the community and a devout Catholic, who lived all of his life in Port Talbot. 

He had been with his wife Anne for 70 years and they did everything for and with each other, his family said.

"He earned his trade as a bricklayer and worked for Hecketts, an American contracting company in the Steel Works, where he was deputy manager," they said.

"He greeted everyone with a smile, had a wonderful ability to make you laugh and was a great storyteller," the statement added.

After he retired, he loved to play golf.

"He was dearly loved by all his family, of whom he was hugely proud, including his two deceased sons Tyrone and Timothy," the tribute said.