THE driver of a car which hit and killed an elderly historian has been told: "Time is running out for you."

Police say the net is closing in on the driver after the tragedy close to a busy road junction in Heckmondwike.

Retired teacher Alan Naylor died in hospital four days after he was hit by the car at 9.45pm last Wednesday night as he was crossing New North Road, just 20 yards from the Six Lane Ends junction in Heckmondwike.

Six Lane Ends is the major junction where Leeds Road, Gomersal Road and New North Road meet.

The car is thought to have travelled down Gomersal Road before it struck 80-year-old Alan.

He had been dropped off by friends in a maroon Fiat Punto moments before the tragedy and was going to walk to his home in Gomersal nearby.

Alan died from severe injuries at Dewsbury District Hospital on Sunday night.

His brother, David, travelled from his home in Ireland to make an appeal at a police press conference in Dewsbury yesterday.

Mr Naylor said: "We would appeal to anyone who saw Alan on the night as he was coming home to contact the police - even if it's the smallest thing.

"Alan has left a huge gap in our lives and we shall miss him greatly. It's been a huge shock."

He added: "Alan was quiet and fairly private, but he was a friendly person and was a member of a number of local groups and societies.

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

"He was very interested in local history and had a number of articles published in various magazines as well as a book of historical photographs of Birstall."

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

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

Det Insp Andy Parr, who is in charge of the investigation, appealed directly to the driver to come forward.

He said: "It's only a matter of time before we find the vehicle and find the driver and obviously it's in the interests of that person to come forward themselves.

"We are following up several leads and lines of inquiry along with information that has come in from the public."

He said the driver and anyone else who may have been in the car would have known they had hit a pedestrian.

"There is no chance of them not being aware they had been involved in a collision," said Det Insp Parr. "The offending vehicle left the scene and made no attempt to stop.

"What happened to Alan has been devastating for his family."

He said he believed the driver may well live in the Heckmondwike area and had travelled into New North Road from the Six Lane Ends junction when he struck Alan as he crossed the road.

The car would be damaged at the front - possibly extensively - including a smashed windscreen.

Det Insp Parr added: "If someone has information about this tragedy and has not yet come forward then think how you would feel if it had happened to a member of your family.

"People involved have now had seven days to think about what happened and the effect it has had on their consciences. Now is the time to come forward."