THE FAMILY of an Aberdeenshire woman killed while on holiday in Greece have been awarded compensation, six years after her death.

Derek Masson, of Pettens Street, Balmedie, lost his wife Dianne when she was hit by a car after a night out in Faliraki, Rhodes, in June 2001.

He was also injured, suffering a broken pelvis and severe leg injuries.

Now Mr Masson and his three children have won a civil action appeal.

Last night their solicitor, Evan Budge, said, “The action has been successfully appealed with Mr Masson receiving an award of compensation for his injuries and for the loss of his wife.

“In addition Mrs Masson’s children have been made an award of compensation for the loss of their mother.”

He explained Mr Masson had been awarded damages after an action in 2005—which were increased as a result of the latest action—but the court did not consider making an award to the children at that time.

He would give no indication of amounts.

Mr Budge said a second civil action relating to Mr Masson’s loss of earnings since the accident is still awaiting decision.

Nursery nurse Mrs Masson (44) was walking home with her husband when a car, driven by a German woman, hit them as they crossed a road.

The driver, who denied charges of manslaughter and denies liability for the accident, failed to turn up for her trial in November, delaying it for six months.

However the rescheduled trial, due to begin last week, was postponed until November due to lack of court time.

Mr Budge said colleagues in Greece are “99% sure” it will not be further delayed.

He said the trial itself could be completed in one day, depending on the plea of the driver.

Mr Masson was unavailable for comment last night.