THE family of a great-grandmother killed in a hit-and-run accident have paid tribute to an `incredible' woman - and urged the driver to come forward.

Doris Wade, 89, was on her way to the hairdresser's when she was knocked down on Turves Road, in Cheadle Hulme.

The driver of the small blue car fled and Mrs Wade, who had lived in the area for 50 years, died later.

Neighbours described her as a `little angel' and her sons Robert and Peter and daughter Cynthia said she was a happy lady who always put others first.

They said: "She was active, helpful and independent until the last day. At 89 you expect someone to get ill but it's devastating that it happened this way.

"If this was an accident then we're not angry, but we don't know any details. If the driver knows he or she has committed a crime they must come forward. We would urge them or anyone with information to come forward so we can understand what happened."

Mrs Wade had just got off the bus and was crossing the road when the accident happened shortly before 10am on Wednesday. She is believed to have been on a pedestrian crossing.

The grandmother of six and great-grandmother of one moved to Greater Manchester from Kent as a child.

During the second world war she worked as an auxiliary nurse at Manchester Royal Infirmary and on the switchboard at Ringway for Fairey Aviation.

After a short time back in Kent, she settled in Cheadle Hulme with her husband Eric, who died in 1995. They were married for more than 50 years.

Her family said: "She loved gardening and travelling and even at 89 she still went walking. She loved the Peak District and Lake District and when we were younger she enjoyed taking us camping. We have a lifetime of fond memories."

Witnesses said the car was the same size as a Nissan Micra or Peugeot. Police are also trying to trace the driver of a Fiat Punto who is not believed to have been involved in the crash, but may been a witness.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Stockport CID on 0161 856 9740 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.