Eight days after Shirley Leedham was killed in a hit and run crash, her family are desperate for the driver to come forward.

Mrs Leedham, 70, a grandmother of four, was struck by a vehicle last Thursday as she crossed the A20 in Harrietsham, not far from her home.

Her youngest son Keith, who also lives in the village, said the response from the local community had been fantastic since her death, with messages of support and condolence arriving daily.

Mrs Leedham’s husband, John, said his wife of 50 years was a devoted family woman who was always doing things for her four grandchildren, one of whom, Robert, was 19 yesterday.

Mr Leedham said: “We are a very close family.”

Keith said the the whole family has been knocked sideways by the tragedy. He said: “I thought dad was going to have a heart attack at one point.”

His father said: “We really need to find out what happened that day so our family can have closure.

“I just want the person to come forward and end this.”

Mrs Leedham's death has prompted a huge police appeal for witnesses. Officers from Mid Kent Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage from cameras near the scene in the hope they can retrieve an image of the vehicle involved.

Yesterday morning, her husband watched as around 20 officers carried out a road check in the village.

Cars on both the Ashford-bound and Maidstone-bound carriageways were pulled over in the hope someone would hold the vital clue which will lead police to the driver.

• Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police's Serious Collision Investiagation Unit on 01622 798538 or Kent Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555111.