THE family of a grandfather who died when his car crashed at the weekend say his death has left them “shattered.”

Garage owner Stewart Young died when the car he was servicing left the road and hit trees just outside Burnhope, in County Durham, on Saturday morning.

The 54-year-old, from Esh Winning, was driving a blue Ford Fiesta along Langley Lane, heading from the Kaysburn roundabout when the accident happened at 9.30am.

A spokesman for Durham Police said: “For some reason, the vehicle went off the road to the nearside and collided heavily with several trees”.

Although paramedics carried out emergency treatment, Mr Young was confirmed dead at the scene.

Mr Young leaves a widow, Carol and three daughters – Lynsey, aged 27, Gemma, 24 and Samantha, aged 10. He also leaves a stepdaughter, 32-year-old Emma.

Mr Young was a self-employed garage owner and police believe he was on his way to collect a spare part for the Fiesta, which he was servicing on behalf of a customer.

His family issued a statement through Durham Police, paying tribute to Mr Young.

They said: “He was an amazing husband, dad and grandad, and we are shattered to think he has suddenly been taken from us.

“While all of the family will miss him terribly, we take some small comfort from knowing he will be forever in our hearts.”

Anyone who saw the Fiesta on Langley Lane at any time before the crash is asked to contact Durham Police’s collision investigation unit on 0191 375 2159.