THE family of a man killed on Boxing Day while trying to free his car after it became stuck in snow have thanked people who stopped to help in the treacherous weather conditions.

Graham Maloney, 75, died at the scene when he was hit by a vehicle while trying to help his wife Molly get their Peugeot 206 going on Baldwin Lane, Clayton, Bradford, at about 9pm.

It is believed the car got stuck against the kerb while slowly rounding a tight right-hand bend in heavy snow.

Mr and Mrs Maloney, of Ferndale Avenue, Clayton, were returning home from a family party in Thornton.

At the opening of an inquest in Bradford yesterday it was heard that the retired metalworks manager suffered unsurvivable head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Assistant Bradford Coroner Oliver Longstaff said police investigations into the tragedy were continuing.

Mr Longstaff said Mr and Mrs Maloney's car became stuck in snow on Baldwin Lane, a rural road between Clayton and Queensbury.

When Mr Maloney, who was driving, got out to push the vehicle, he was struck by a Vauxhall Astra whose driver had lost control in the snow and freezing weather conditions.

Mr Longstaff released Mr Maloney's body so that funeral arrangements can be made and adjourned the inquest until a provisional date of May 8.

Mr Maloney's grieving relatives said in a statement released to the Telegraph & Argus: "The family would like to thank all friends and colleagues for their kind thoughts, cards and flowers at this time, and also offers of help.

"We would also like to thank the police, ambulance and those who were present when the accident occurred and tried to help Dad in his last moments."

Passers-by have told of their desperate attempts to save Mr Maloney's life.

James Hunt, 21, who has first aid training through his role as a hockey coach, gave CPR to Mr Maloney for about 45 minutes.

He and his girlfriend Kimberley Hields, 18, spoke on the phone to an ambulance crew until paramedics arrived.

Mr Hunt said: "We were talking to the ambulance crew and making sure he wasn't in any more danger.

"We wanted his wife to know that people were putting an effort in to helping him. We were trying to make him comfortable.

"There were terrible driving conditions on the road."

The death of Mr Maloney, who has two adult sons, has shocked his community.

Friends and neighbours said they remembered him as a kind and helpful man, very active and always willing to lend a hand.

Police officers investigating the incident have appealed for witnesses to call the West Yorkshire force's Major Collision Enquiry Team on 101.