Villagers are in mourning after a mother-of-four was knocked down by a car and killed.

Anna Stilwell (60) left her home in Headbourne Worthy, near Winchester, to post letters. It was a journey of just a few yards, but she never returned.

The accident happened at around 4.15pm last Friday as she walked along Well House Lane, where she lived. Police said Mrs Stilwell was struck by a Citroen Saxo. No other vehicles were involved.

The driver, a 20-year-old man from Tidworth, was treated for shock at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital. He was later arrested by police and bailed until the end of October without charge.

Mrs Stilwell had lived in the village for many years. She leaves a husband, Bob and four children-Richard, Nicholas, Simon and Helen.

Mr Stilwell described Anna as: "A devoted wife and mother who will be sadly missed and who touched so many lives."

Southampton-born, she was a former chairman of Ladies' Circle and Tangent and was active for many years with children's and cancer charities

Shocked friends and neighbours are now lobbying senior police officers to make the road safer.

Margaret Filley said a similar crash occurred on the same bend last year, although it was not fatal.

She said the road was worn and was slippery in wet conditions, which was the case on Friday. Residents were in danger because of the road's poor state of repair, she added. "It could have been any of us."

She has written to Simon Cole, Hampshire's Assistant Chief Constable, to ask for safety improvements.

Another neighbour, Peter Anker, has repaired his garden wall several times in the last five years because of car accidents. Traffic was also certain to increase if a scheme for 2,000 new homes at nearby Barton Farm went ahead, said Mr Anker.

A spokesman for Hampshire County Council said their officers, assisted by police, would investigate the accident and see if changes were needed.

* A funeral is to be held on Thursday for close family at St Mary's Church, Kings Worthy, Winchester.

* Police want to speak to anyone who witnessed the accident. Call 0845 045 4545 if you think you can help.