THE family of a popular pensioner, who died following a dispute over a minor car collision, say they have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of grief from their community.

Wendy Doyle, 61, died in The James Cook Memorial Hospital, in Middlesbrough, on Monday, after suffering a head injury during an argument in Millbank Terrace, Shotton Colliery, County Durham.

Police said the incident happened at about 7.20pm on Saturday when, during a dispute over a slight collision between two cars in a quiet back lane, Mrs Doyle fell to the ground, sustaining a serious head injury.

Widow Mrs Doyle, who lost her husband four years ago, leaves a daughter, Hayley, 26 and a son, Owen, 24, who both lived with their mother and are still too distressed to talk about what has happened.

But speaking on their behalf, a close family friend and neighbour revealed last night that her children had been "overwhelmed'' by the support from the community.

"They have literally had hundreds of cards and floral tributes," she said.

Hours after news of Mrs Doyle's death spread through the one-time colliery village, tributes began to pour in.

The incident came only hours after Mrs Doyle and her son had helped carry the village's pit banner at the head of a procession at Shotton's annual carnival.

Her death has stunned the close-knit community, where she was a familiar figure in the village through her activities with organisations, including playschemes and sports groups.

As the lollipop lady at Shotton Primary she was loved by generations of children and her death has sent shock waves through the former pit village.

Mrs Doyle was a keen ice hockey follower and a website - www.neicehockey. com - has been set up for messages of condolence.

Following Mrs Doyle's death a 30-year-old man from the village was re-interviewed by police yesterday, after being arrested at the weekend on suspicion of a section 47 assault. He has been bailed until August 30 and it is understood a file will now be forwarded to the Crown Prosecution Service.