POLICE have named the woman who died after she was involved in a crash with a tractor.

Joan Cottom, 58, of Deneside, Lanchester was driving a Mini Cooper when it collided with a John Deere tractor on the A691, at Leadgate, near Consett.

The crash happened at about 9.40am on Friday, December 29.

A spokeswoman for Durham Constabulary said: “The Mini was travelling in the direction of Leadgate when it is believed to have slid on a bend during heavy snow and collided with the tractor which was travelling in the opposite direction towards Lanchester.

"It appears that the tractor driver has mounted the grass verge in an attempt to avoid the collision but was unsuccessful. This is a tragic incident for all involved.

"Our thoughts are with Joan’s family and friends at this devestating time.” 

Mrs Cottom was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tractor was uninjured.

The the main road from Consett to Durham, was closed in the aftermath of the accident, on a stretch between Iveston, near Leadgate, and Low Woodside, at Lanchester.