An elderly couple died when they were hit by a lorry during a shopping trip.

Ronald Matthews, 79, and his wife Jessie, 77, from Horsham, were crossing Dorking High Street in Surrey when the accident happened.

They both died from multiple injuries.

Police cordoned off the road, diverting traffic, and some businesses in the area had to close early because of the disruption.

Mr and Mrs Matthews' only son, who lives abroad, has returned to the UK after being told of the couple's death.

A neighbour said the pair were very active and had many friends.

He said: "It came as a great shock. They were a lovely couple and both very sprightly.

"Ronald was an avid gardener. At this time of year they would invariably have people round in the afternoon in their garden. It is really very sad."

It is thought Mr and Mrs Matthews had travelled to Dorking to go shopping.

A spokesman for Surrey police said: "They were crossing the road when there was a collision with a lorry."

The driver, who has been interviewed by police, was shaken but unhurt after the accident, which happened shortly after noon on Friday.

Julie Cottrell, divisional information officer for Surrey Police, urged people who saw the accident to contact police.

An inquest was opened and adjourned at Woking Coroner's Court yesterday.

Tributes have poured in calling the couple "perfect neighbours."

Mr and Mrs Matthews had lived in the same house in Pondtail Close, Horsham, for 50 years.

They enjoyed retirement and would frequently go on long walks and have several short-break holidays each year.

News of the accident stunned neighbours.

Next-door neighbour Helen Leahy said: "You are not talking about some doddery old couple who could hardly see.

"They were both very streetwise, fit, and kept up to date with things. You could talk to them about anything.

"They kept their house and garden immaculate and were always willing to help others. You could not have wished for a nicer couple living next door."

Teacher Phil Bellas said: "They were perfect neighbours. They took an interest in my family. They were always very friendly and cared about how the close looked.

"Ron would wheel my bin into the driveway if the dustmen had left it outside. They would come and water plants and feed the fish when we were away and I would water his garden."

The couple have one son, Robert, who has returned from his home in Lanzarote following the deaths.

Eric Scordo, who lives two doors away, said: "I used to see him while I walked the dog and share a joke.

"It is incredible they are not here any more after all these years. They just went on one of their regular shopping trips and never returned."

Mr Matthews had been a water board official and was an active member of the Royal British Legion in Horsham. He was also involved in social groups concerned with keeping in touch with former employees of water companies in Sussex.

When the couple first moved into their house it was the only one in the street. In the 50 years they lived there they saw modern houses built opposite and on either side.

The couple welcomed all the new neighbours.

Police are still continuing their inquiries into the accident and have interviewed the lorry driver, who was shaken but unhurt after the accident.

A neighbour said Mr and Mrs Matthews "were a lovely couple.

"The police would not say too much about the accident. They told us they were still investigating it."