Pensioner left for dead in hit-and-run: We need to catch the driver

Previously active John Rudge has been left housebound and having to use two walking sticks to get around.

He also had to be rushed in for a brain operation due to the after-effects of the collision in August.

Mr Rudge is facing the first Christmas since the shocking incident and said wants the driver of the van who hit him to come forward - or to jog the memories of witnesses.

Regular dog walks with his 'best friend' Charlie made Mr Rudge a popular and well-known face around Sedgley.

But he said that has all changed since the hit-and-run.

Mr Rudge, 78, said: "I'm constantly in about an eight out of 10 level of pain.

"We really need to catch these people, but I've been waiting and waiting and they haven't yet.

"I can't believe what they've done to me, I can hardly walk now.

"It's terrible, it's despicable really."

Mr Rudge was left for dead after the shocking incident on August 13 but has come back from the brink after being left in a critical condition.

He made an astonishingly speedy recovery after the incident.

Family members said he was a 'tough cookie' and praised hospital staff at the time for their care.

Mr Rudge said the van driver and passenger needed to give themselves up to police.

Mr Rudge had been to the Spar store on the street before he stepped out to cross the road and was knocked over by the van.

He hit his head on the road and suffered a concussion.

The driver circled back to check on his condition and then sped off.

A van sought by police after the hit-and-run was found in Tipton on August 14.

After the incident Pc Leon Whitmore, of West Midlands Police's traffic unit, called for the driver and the passenger to show 'courage' and contact the police to explain what had happened.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.