A COMMUNITY was last night in shock after a popular pub landlord was killed in a morning rush-hour accident on a busy North-East road.

Jeffery Lowe, the licensee of the Durham Ox pub, in Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, died after his Ford Escort was involved in a collision with an articulated lorry on the A167, near Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

Police said the 59-year-old had been travelling south when he crossed to the northbound lane, where his car collided heavily with the offside of the lorry.

Mr Lowe was certified dead at the scene, and the driver of the lorry, a 40-year-old local man, was unhurt but was left badly shocked.

The accident happened at about 8.30am, 200 yards south of Carrsides Lane, Newton Aycliffe.

The road between the Eden Arms roundabout and Carrsides traffic lights was closed until 12.45pm.

Neighbours and fellow business people in Coundon said Mr Lowe was a popular and well-liked member of the community.

One woman said: "I knew him to say hello to. It is such an awful thing to happen."

A man who lived near the pub said that everybody was stunned by the news. He said: "He was a friend. The Durham Ox is a very busy pub and he is someone who is very well liked. I cannot believe this has happened."