THE family of a toddler killed by an 88-year-old driver have called for tougher restrictions on elderly motorists.

Amicie Nwokeochar, aged three, died when he was pushed through a chip shop window in Farnworth after 88-year-old Edward Disley lost control of his car.

Amicie's relatives, speaking after an inquest in Bolton, said that Mr Disley was too old to have been behind the wheel.

Amicie's grandmother, Carol Brooks, called for all motorists over 70 to have a driving tests.

Mrs Brooks, aged 54, of Kestrel Avenue, Farnworth, said after yesterday's hearing in which a verdict of accidental death was recorded: "Elderly drivers need to have a regular test to check their reactions and eyesight. Filling in a form every year to say they are well enough to keep on driving is not good enough.

"Unless they change the law, Amicie won't be the last to die because an elderly driver isn't fit to be on the road."

The family's calls have been backed by Bolton South East MP Brian Iddon. He said: "I think it's a warning to all elderly drivers to consider whether they are in a position to carry on driving."

The inquest heard that Amicie, of Wigan Road, Deane, was killed on November 15 last year when Mr Disley's car mounted the pavement outside a chip shop in Highfield Road, Farnworth, and ran into him as he walked with his aunt.

In a statement from Mr Disley, read to the inquest, he said that he had tried to reverse the car to get into a spot outside John's Chip Shop but surged forward and hit Amicie.

"I had to reverse to get another position. Unfortunately, instead of reversing I started forward. I saw a little boy in front of me, but the car surged forward and I couldn't stop it."

Mr Disley, who never took a driving test because he was driving before they came into force, said he assumed he had accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake.

At an earlier court hearing, Mr Disley, of Maple Avenue, Farnworth, admitted driving without due care and attention and was fined £1,000 by magistrates. He surrendered his driving licence.

Coroner Jennifer Leeming heard that the car did not have any defects that could have contributed to the accident and that Mr Disley was medically fit to drive at the time. He had also passed an eye test.

The car was travelling at "walking speed" at the time of the accident.

Witnesses told of their frantic attempts to resuscitate Amicie.

Nicholas Bowen told the inquest he had seen Mr Disley drive his car out of a parking space and into the one where Amicie was killed.

He said Mr Disley did not use indicators at any point during the manoeuvre.

Mr Bowen, who was sitting in his car waiting for Mr Disley to move, said: "I said 'he wouldn't pass his driving test' when he pulled out and didn't indicate."

When drivers reach the age of 70, they need to review their licence every three years. This is done automatically by DVLA.

The renewal form sent to drivers contains medical questions. The licence holder can self- certificate their suitability to drive by answering the questions honestly.