Purton resident John Papworth has paid tribute to the help he received from members of the public when he fell in the village last week and hit his head against a moving car.

The 93-year-old former clergyman, writer and activist lives in High Street.

Last Tuesday, he was walking beside the war memorial in the High Street when he lost his balance and fell into the road, hitting a Land Rover Discovery with his forehead as it passed.

John sustained a head injury as a result of his fall, though he was not left to suffer on his own. The driver of a car two vehicles behind the Land Rover pulled over and took the pensioner to the Great Western Hospital.

“I lost my balance as I was walking to the butcher’s in the village centre,” said John. “As I stumbled, a car came passing by and I hit the side of it.

“It’s quite possible the driver wasn’t even aware they had hit anyone.

“I want to thank people for the way they responded. “You have no idea how kind people are.

“I was badly cut above my eye, I bruised my ribs and also my knee. Apart from that I’m still in one piece.

“I feel very weak and tired and not very happy. That’s partly down to the accident, but partly old age.”

Wiltshire Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident.

It took place at about 6.10pm on Tuesday, February 4, in High Street, Purton, from the direction of Lower Square toward Pavenhill.

It is reported that the Land Rover passed John while being assisted by the passer-by.

The Land Rover Discovery is described as a new model and grey in colour. The vehicle contained three people. The driver is described as a balding male with a female front seat passenger.

Police are keen to speak to the driver of the Land Rover Discovery or any other witnesses.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.