THE heartbroken family of a disabled pensioner killed in a hit and run crash in Poole has appealed to the driver to have the “courage and decency” to come forward.

Chris Colegate died after being found seriously injured in the road at the junction of Darby's Lane and Heath Avenue at 7.25pm on Friday December 13.

His wife Freda and daughters Tash Motton and Rachel Hayward said the ache in their hearts would never go away but that the driver coming forward would give them a small crumb of comfort.

Rachel said: “The collision itself may have been a genuine accident but we are all struggling to come to terms with the fact that the driver of the car did not stop following the collision.

“The driver could have gone to his aid, could have called for help but instead thought only of themselves and selfishly fled the scene.”

The 69-year-old, who used two walking sticks, was making his way to the Oakdale Conservative Club when he was struck by a car which failed to stop.

His daughter Tash said: “Now without dad, there will be unopened presents under the tree. We now live with the knowledge that every Christmas is going to be a reminder of this tragic incident.

“The ache in our hearts will never go away.

“If you were the driver or know who the driver is please have the courage and decency to come forward and contact the police.

“It won't bring dad back but it would give us a small crumb of comfort and help us come to terms with what has happened.”

Officers investigating the hit-and-run crash that killed a Poole grandfather last week have released details of three cars they're hoping to trace.

A £1,000 reward has also been offered for information leading to the arrest and charge of a suspect in the hit-and-run case.

Sergeant Stuart Pitman said: ““I urge the driver involved in this collision to please do the right thing and get in touch. This has caused Mr Colegate's family great distress.

“We will find you.”