TRIBUTES have been paid to a teacher who died when his car crashed into a tree in County Durham yesterday.

Police today named the accident victim as Anthony McElrue, 37, of Deepdale Crescent, Consett.

He died when his Honda Accord left the road and collided with a tree about 6.45am on the Durham to Consett A691 road, near Lanchester village.

Speaking on behalf of the family today, his brother James said: "Anthony was a loving father who doted on his two children, Max, aged nine, and Leah, aged six.

"He was a teacher by profession and has taught English for 10 years at schools in County Durham.

"He was passionate about his job and will be greatly missed by his colleagues and pupils alike at St Bede's Catholic Comprehensive School, in Peterlee."

He added: "The family are absolutely devastated by this tragic event. Anth was one in a million, a wonderful person full of character and charm.

"He never failed to make an impression on people he met. It's hard to contemplate life without him, We will miss him dearly."

Paul McKenna, headteacher at St. Bede's Catholic Comprehensive School said: "It was with great sadness that we learned of the tragic death of Mr Anthony McElrue.

"He will be a great loss to his colleagues, the pupils he taught and all his friends at St. Bede's. We extend our sympathy to his family and remember them in our prayers."

Witnesses to the accident are asked to contact Durham Police's accident investigation unit, on 0191-375-2159.