Ruth Chapman who, despite her age, used to walk into town from her Welland Park Road home every day, was was taken to Kettering General Hospital on November 10, after being struck by a car in the Commons car park as she made her way to church.

She later died from her injuries.

A 40-year-old woman, the driver of a blue Ford Focus, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

The incident happened at the entrance to a service road next to the Marks & Spencers store,

Area highways manager, Clive Howe, confirmed the accident site is the responsibility of the Highways Agency.

He said: “In all cases of fatal accidents we look to carry out inquiries into safety measures.

“With the recent re-vamp of the car park we were planning to carry out some work there anyway, such as resurfacing the road.”

Mrs Chapman’s funeral was due to be held yesterday (Wednesday) at Our Lady of Victories Roman Catholic Church and hundreds of people were expeced to pay their last respects.

The service was due to be followed by burial at Harborough Cemetery.

Mrs Chapman celebrated her 100th birthday just three months ago.

She worked as a dinner lady for 44 years at Welland Park College and later as a cleaner for 14 years at Bevin and Butler Vets in Northampton Road.

She walked into town daily to have lunch at KJ’s cafe in Adam and Eve Street.