AN 81-year-old man died after his car struck a tree, it has emerged.

Bill Appleton, of Billinge, was driving a grey Nissan X-Trail that smashed into a tree on Ashton Road, Garswood.

He was taken to Wigan Royal Infirmary where he later died.

Police are now appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.

The crash happened near to the junction with the A517 Wigan Road at about 7.55pm on Friday, December 21.

Mr Appleton had been travelling in the car alone.

Ashton Road was closed until approximately 2am the following day while officers from Greater Manchester Police’s serious Collision Investigation Unit carried out inquiries.

Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call police on 0161 856 4741.