A HAMPSHIRE man is fighting for his life in a Greek hospital following an accident that killed his wife.

Gillian Moore, 71, and her husband Reginald, 73, were enjoying a two-week break in Alikanas, on the island of Zante, when they were hit by a minibus.

The retired couple, who went to Greece regularly, had been due to return to their home at Sway Road, Brockenhurst, in the New Forest, yesterday.

Speaking from his father's bedside in the Metropolitan Hospital, Athens, their son Kevan said his father was "stable".

"The doctor told me they were hopeful he may recover," he said.

"He's unconscious and will be sedated for another few days.

"They have operated on his right leg and they are quite pleased with that but he has massive trauma to his back and pelvis - they were both run over."

It seemed his parents had attempted to cross the road diagonally to rejoin their coach, he added.

Doctors hope to operate on Mr Moore's pelvis later this week.

Kevan, from Harpenden, Hertfordshire, flew out to Athens at the weekend.

His father, a retired manager for Kodak, had been admitted to a state hospital initially but the insurance company had him transferred to a private hospital, he said.

"It's an excellent hospital," he said.

"The British Embassy, the insurers, the tour operator and the Greek authorities have all been very supportive - everybody has been superb."

The autopsy on retired school secretary Gillian has been delayed but her body will be repatriated for a funeral at St Nicholas' Parish Church in Brockenhurst.

Friends also spoke of their shock and devastation.

Doreen Risso, who has just returned from a holiday on a neighbouring island, said the Moores had met while working for film company Kodak.

The couple had been having a "fantastic time" on holiday, she said.

Mrs Risso, 65, of Brockenhurst, said: "This is devastating. My husband Jim and I had intended to meet them on Zante, but we didn't quite have the time.

"I spoke to Gill three days ago and she was having a wonderful time out there.

"They went to Greece quite often, but they had never been to Zante before so it was exciting for them.

"She and Reg were wonderful together and he absolutely idolised here. I don't know how he will manage without her.

"My one consolation is she died in a place she loved."