A MAN will appear in court following the death of a retired teacher after a road tragedy.

Local historian Alan Naylor died in hospital four days after he was in an accident with a car in Heckmondwike last autumn.

The 80-year-old lost his fight for life in Dewsbury District Hospital after the incident at New North Road, just 20 yards from the Six Lane Ends junction in Heckmondwike.

A man from Baildon was arrested a few days after the tragedy on October 25.

The 67-year-old has now been reported for summons for failing to stop after an accident and is due to appear at Batley and Dewsbury Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

At the time of the tragedy Alan’s brother, David, said: “Alan has left a huge gap in our lives and we shall miss him greatly. It’s been a huge shock.

“He was involved in the community and contributed a great deal.’’

Alan was interested in local history and had a number of articles published in various magazines and a book of historical photographs of Birstall.

He began his teaching career at Birstall Church of England School. He retired from Norristhorpe Primary. He never married.

His thirst for knowledge was not quenched by his retirement and he went on to do a Masters degree on the historical trans-port of Birstall at Bradford University.