A LORRY driver has appeared in court charged with causing the death of a retired teacher in an accident in the car-park of her doctor's surgery.

Darren Stephen Wilby, 43, had made a delivery to Clifton Health Centre in Water Lane, York, and was preparing to leave the centre on the afternoon of July 17 last year.

It is alleged that while reversing, his lorry struck 88-year-old retired teacher Enid Marie Ord, York Magistrates' Court heard yesterday.

Wilby, of Stone Brig Lane in Rothwell, Leeds, spoke only to confirm his name, address and age, and did not enter a plea to the charge of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

Staff from the health centre helped administer oxygen to Mrs Ord at the scene, and kept her comfortable until paramedics arrived and took her to Leeds General Infirmary.

Mrs Ord - who taught at Heworth Primary School, Burdyke Infant School, and Burton Green Primary School - fought for her life for eight weeks after she was knocked down, but died in hospital on September 15 after developing hospital-acquired pneumonia.

Her family have previously told The Press she had made a huge impact on staff at the LGI.

Mick Phythian, Mrs Ord's son-in-law, said: "The staff were as upset as we were. We had condolences from everyone from the consultant down. She had struggled hard to survive."

Wilby was released on unconditional bail. He is due to appear at York Crown Court to enter a plea to the charge on January 16.