RELATIVES and friends are mourning the death of a respected and caring pensioner who has died in hospital following a road accident.

The accident happened less than four hours before John True's 88th birthday.

Mr True, known as Jet, was involved in a collision with a car in Gravesend town centre and died eight days later from head injuries at Darent Valley Hospital.

Mr True had been a resident at the Sunnyside Rest Home for the past five years, having lived in Arthur Street for most of his life.

He worked as a papermaker, served as a sniper with the Royal East Kent Regiment of the Buffs during the Second World War and was a keen supporter of Gillingham Football Club for 30 years.

Mr True also followed the progress of Gravesend's Old Comrades Football Club which played in the Premier Division of the North Kent Sunday League.

Close friend, Brian Murray, from Gravesend, who managed the side up until two years ago, said: "He would support us every week, as he loved his football. He was a very likeable and highly-respected man. No one could say a bad word about John True."

Mr True's son, David, 56, of Thong Lane, Gravesend, who had travelled home from Devon for his father's birthday, described him as a quiet and honest man.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the road incident which took place at the junction of Lord Street and Windmill Street shortly after 8pm on September 6.

Mr True was involved in a collision with a silver Renault Scenic and officers want to hear from anyone who may have been in, or around, the area at the time. Anyone with information should telephone Sgt Martin Smith on 01622 690690.