TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular retired lecturer who has died after being knocked down on a road.

Joe Leitch, 79, who taught maths at Coatbridge College in North Lanarkshire, was struck outside a bank during rush hour on Main Street in Uddingston on Monday.

He was taken by ambulance to Monklands Hospital where he later died.

Mr Leitch, who moved to Bothwell from Uddingston three years ago, was described by his family as a popular character with a great sense of humour.

They said the pensioner was a member of Bothwell Golf Club and the local baptist church. He continued to have a passion for maths after his retirement and taught local students in his spare time. They said: "He did voluntary tutoring in the community and helped many to understand and to love maths.

"He leaves behind three daughters, seven grandchildren and many friends, all of whom love him and will miss him greatly."

Police said a report on the incident will be submitted to the procurator-fiscal.