The family of a man who was killed after being hit by a lorry eight months ago will finally be able to lay him to rest tomorrow.

Rod Gates was struck in Newington High Street on April 5 by the vehicle, which failed to stop.

The 84-year-old died the following day.

Now his family are preparing for his funeral.

His niece Helen Gates said: “It’s been really hard for the family that we’ve not been able to have the closure and move on.

“I feel that we’re glad we’re having the funeral now, before the end of the year, as that is some kind of closure.

"We can lay him to rest but we’re still waiting for answers.”

The 60-year-old added: “We’ve no idea when the inquest will be as a number of investigations are still ongoing.

“We know it’s not going to bring uncle Rod back but it would just be nice to know exactly what happened.”

Helen, who is from Sittingbourne but now lives in the Midlands, described her uncle as a marvellous man.

“He was very kind. And, having been in the army all his working life, he was very routine in his ways," she said.

"There were certain days he’d have certain jobs. He planned his meals for the next week, did all his own cooking and shopping.

“A lot of people in Newington knew him as he lived in the village for many years. He was very well-liked.”

Rod, of London Road, Newington, and his wife of 55 years, Alma, bought their home in the village in the 1970s and lived there ever since.

He carried on living there after Alma’s death in 2010.

Helen said: “They were devoted to each other. They absolutely loved living in Newington.

"Uncle Rod loved his garden too. It was always weed-free and full of colour.”

The former Fulston Manor teacher said his death had left a huge gap in their lives.

“It’s very tragic because it was so unexpected,” she said.

“It was a big shock to us all.”

The funeral will take place at the Garden of England Crematorium, Bobbing, at 11am tomorrow, followed by a wake at The Bull in Newington.

All are welcome to attend. Donations will go to Demelza Hospice and RNLI.

Police confirmed no charges have been brought and enquiries are still ongoing.