Alan, 53, was my soulmate says wife

The widow of a man who died after being knocked down by a bus while on his way home from work paid tribute today to her "soulmate and best friend".

Alan Griffin was yards from his home in Jayne Close, West Bromwich, where he lived with wife of 27 years Linda, when he was knocked down by the Black Country Connection bus.

The couple first met at The Spinney pub, in Beaconview Road, and became an item when 53-year-old Mr Griffin asked to walk Linda home one night.

Since that moment, Linda said the pair were inseparable. They had been due to go on holiday next Monday.

Accounts worker Mrs Griffin said: "Everybody loved him. He was very considerate and always helpful.

"He was a bubbly character and a real people person.

"I really miss him. He was my best friend and my soulmate. We did everything together, and we loved going to see friends or shopping."