Long-serving Labour Party member William Abbott had been to see his brother Arthur, who is being treated for pneumonia at Peterborough District Hospital, when he was struck by a 4x4 vehicle in Thorpe Road at about 8pm on Thursday.

Mr Abbott (79), who was known to many as Bud or Ron, devoted decades of his life to public service and he was a member of the old Fletton council before it merged with the city council in the '70s.

The retired engineer also spent more than 60 years with St John Ambulance, and was given a medal for his long service at a ceremony at Ely Cathedral in October.

Relatives and friends of Mr Abbott have spoken to The Evening Telegraph of their grief, and have paid tribute to a man dedicated to helping others.

Ex-wife Brenda Abbott-Wells (61) said: "It came as a terrible shock to all of us. A lot of people will remember him for the way he helped everybody and did things for others. He put so much work into the community."

Son Lewis (31), who lives with Mrs Abbott-Wells in Western Avenue, Dogsthorpe, said: "My dad was a great guy and I have always looked on him as a role model."

Mr Abbott, who lived alone in Wootton Avenue, Old Fletton, also had a daughter, Rebecca, who lives in Edinburgh with her three children.

He was a devout Christian, attending services at St Augustine's Church in Woodston, as well as a regular at Peterborough United as both a supporter and a St John Ambulance first-aider.

He also spent several years representing Labour on Old Fletton Urban Council during the late '60s and early '70s.

Peterborough city councillor Charles Swift, a former Labour colleague who now represents the Peterborough Independent Forum, described him as a "stalwart" of the city.

He said: "However many good things you say about him, you couldn't say enough.

"His contribution to the life of this city in both a voluntary and political capacity was immeasurable, and he was the sort of character we will never see the likes of again."

Pensioner Winifred Middleton, who lived next door to Mr Abbott in Wootton Avenue, said: "He was my neighbour for 30-odd years and you couldn't wish to meet a better man.

"He was a lovely person and would do anything for you. He would come and see me at any time of day, and we would always have a little chat. It's a real shock."