TRIBUTES have been paid to a great-grandmother who died in a road crash on Friday (August 29).

Dolores Hubbert, 81, has been described as a highly respected member of her community, a well-loved and dedicated wife and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and auntie.

Mrs Hubbert died following a smash on the westbound A690 dual carriageway at East Rainton, between Durham and Houghton-le-Spring, at about 12.10pm on Friday.

Her Nissan Micra collided with a Toyota Yaris.

Mrs Hubbert, of Houghton-le-Spring, was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham City, where she was pronounced dead.

In a statement released through Northumbria Police, her family said: “Mam was a dedicated parishioner of St Michael’s RC Church, Houghton-le-Spring, and previously St Patrick’s, Ryhope, and a highly respected member of the community.

“She was well-loved and a dedicated wife to Ivo and latterly Len, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and auntie.

“The family would like to express their gratitude to the emergency services, including the staff at Durham University Hospital, Durham and Northumbria Police forces and the Great North Air Ambulance service for their dedicated efforts to save her.”

The family of Mrs Hubbert, formerly Maggiore, nee Jaconelli, have asked for their privacy to be respected at this sad time.

The driver of the Yaris was not injured.

Sergeant Jason Ryder, from Northumbria Police’s motor patrols unit, said: “Our thoughts are with Dolores’ family at this difficult time.

“We are carrying out enquiries in order to establish the circumstances of the collision and would ask anyone who saw either of the vehicles shortly beforehand or witnessed the collision to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Northumbria Police on 101 extension 69191, quoting reference 435 290814.