Neighbours have today spoken of rushing to the aid of an elderly woman who died after apparently being struck by a car.

Eastern Daily Press: North Wootton shop keeper Nigel Kendal. Picture: Ian BurtNorth Wootton shop keeper Nigel Kendal. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant)

The 85-year-old woman, who was named locally as Ursula Knox, is believed to have been hit by a Silver VW Amarok, whose driver was reversing out of a parking space at Meadow Stores in North Wootton, near King's Lynn.

Store owner Nigel Kendal and neighbour Maureen Skipper came to her aid and waited with her before the ambulance arrived.

No-one is believed to have seen the incident, which happened at about 11am on Christmas Eve.

Mr Kendal was in the shop at the time and called emergency services.

Eastern Daily Press: Meadow Close, North Wootton. Picture: Ian BurtMeadow Close, North Wootton. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant)

He then went outside to help the woman, who had been a customer for about four years.

He said: 'She was lying on the floor and I could see the distress on her face. She was calling out 'Help me God, Help me'.

'She kept trying to get up. A couple of ladies were looking after her. I got her some tissues. Two doctors from the nearby surgery also came out and stayed with her.'

He believes Miss Knox, who lived in nearby Meadow Close, was on her way to his store to pick up some fresh rolls and bread.

'I only knew her as a customer, but she was a real character,' he added. 'She used to come in to the shop about four times a week.'

Mrs Skipper, from nearby Priory Lane, spoke to Miss Knox on the pavement before the incident.

She said: 'I was delivering a Christmas card in Meadow Close. She was walking with a stick and she said she wished she could walk as quickly as I did, and I wished her a merry Christmas.

'When I started walking home, I saw a bobblehat on the road, and then I saw her flat on the floor. I held her head and waited with her. I cannot believe it has happened. I blame myself. If I had not gone down that road at that time, and then spoken to her, it might not have happened.'

Miss Knox was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn and transferred to Addenbrooke's where she died the next day. Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident - call the serious collision investigation team on 101.