Church founder fighting for life

A popular founder member of a Wolverhampton church was today fighting for his life after being hit by a car shortly after locking up following a ballroom dancing class.

Alan Slater, aged 83, had just left St John's Methodist Church in East Park when he was struck by a silver Mazda people carrier as he crossed the road to return home.

The collision happened on Wolverhampton Road East around 6.55pm on Saturday.

The pensioner suffered serious head injuries and multiple fractures. He is now in New Cross Hospital where his condition was this afternoon described as critical but stable.The driver of the Mazda tested negative for alcohol and was treated for shock at the scene by paramedics.

Ballroom dancing teacher Brian Costley, of the BM&A Dance School, spoke to Mr Slater as he locked up at about 6.30pm.

He said: "I had a pleasant chat with him and he was showing me and my daughter pictures of his grandchildren. We waved at him as we left."

Witnesses are asked to contact 0845 113 5000.